Claude Taittinger of Taittinger Champagne died Jan. 3, 2022, in Paris at age 94. He spent five decades at the family’s Champagne house, Champagne Taittinger, in 1960 following the death of his brother, François, prior to retiring. He served first as managing director and then president of the company until 2005. Champagne Taittinger grew from a niche label into a brand with international scale and acclaim, credited to Claude for growth through his ambassadorial skill and business savvy, after first joining the family business that was founded by his father, Pierre Taittinger, in 1949. His brother François sent him around the world to promote the wines. In the role of global traveler, storyteller, educator and communicator, he elevated the house, the region and the category. In the late 1980s, Claude led the family’s investment in Domaine Carneros in Napa Valley, California, creating another sparkling wine success story. Champagne Taittinger remains one of the few top houses owned and run by the family named on the label.