Taille is a French word that means the second time grapes are pressed to produce grape juice for Champagne.
What does taille mean?
Taille refers to the second time grapes are pressed to release their juice for making Champagne.
It is a French word that is used by French winemakers.
The verb tailler means to prune, so taille can refer to pruning also.
Cuvée vs taille
The first pressing of grapes to release the juice to make Champagne is called the “cuvée”.
The cuvée or 1st pressing:
- Gentle pressure is used
- Produces the purest juice
- Juice has high sugar and acidity levels
- Cuvée juice has freshness and is capable of ageing well.
The taille or 2nd pressing:
- Happens after the cuvée pressing
- Grapes are pressed at a higher pressure than cuvée
- Grape juice that is less sweet and acidic than the cuvée
- Juice has more structure, color and astringency – qualities that a winemaker may want or need to add to a wine when blending.
For Champagne, the taille produces 500 liters of grape juice vs the cuvée which produces 2050 liters of grape juice.
| Taille Language | Taille Meaning | Taille Pronunciation |
| French | 2nd time grapes are pressed to produce grape juice for Champagne. | TIE |
