PhilipponnatChampagne, France

Philipponnat produces one of Champagne's most revered single vineyard wines, the Clos des Goisse which comes with legendary status. Coming from a small 5.5ha it is often cited as the Burgundy of Champagne with its own micro-climate.

Philipponnat Winery has been integral to the tapestry of the Champagne region, with roots deeply entrenched in the rich soils of France's winemaking history. The family-owned Maison, with records dating back to 1522, has long been synonymous with artisanal craftsmanship, innovation, and the pursuit of excellence in the art of Champagne production.

The beating heart of Philipponnat lies in the prestigious vineyards of Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, where the acclaimed Clos des Goisses, a steep, sun-drenched slope, is considered one of the finest single vineyards in Champagne. This exceptional terroir, comprising pure chalk, imbues the grapes with a unique vigour and minerality seen in the House's most illustrious cuvées. Spearheaded by Charles Philipponnat, the brand harmonizes centuries-old lineage with contemporary flair, perpetuating a legacy of quality and distinctive style.

Charles Philipponnat's renaissance of the estate:

The turn of the millennium marked a new era for the historic Philipponnat winery in Mareuil-sur-Ay, as Charles Philipponnat, scion of the 15th generation of a Champagne dynasty, took the helm in 1999 and ushered in a period of resurgence that has propelled the house into contemporary prominence. His stewardship has been nothing short of transformative; under his guidance, the winery has seen a remarkable uplift in fortune, with their venerated flagship wine, Clos de Goisses, continuing to garner widespread acclaim as one of Champagne's most exceptional single-vineyard offerings. Across the board, all the wines of Philipponnat have been showing more clarity, precision, complexity and purity of flavour than the older wines.

Philipponnat's Signature Style:

Philipponnat distinguishes itself with a signature style that emphasizes robust vinosity, minimal dosage, and prolonged aging in the house's deep, cool cellars. This approach ensures a spectrum of Champagnes that consistently express a powerful, structured character, complemented by a richness and complexity that can only be attained through meticulous cultivation and skillful winemaking. The winery's use of predominantly first-press juices guarantees a level of purity and intensity in the finished product that is uniquely Philipponnat.

The winemaking techniques, steeped in tradition, also embrace modern sensibilities with an emphasis on sustainability and respect for nature. The family’s commitment to low chemical intervention and environmentally sensitive practices in the vineyard speaks of a forward-thinking philosophy that esteems the land and its fruits. Drawing from this ethos, the grapes are meticulously handpicked, ensuring only the finest selections are employed in the creation of the winery's bubbling masterpieces.

Photo: The steep slopes of Clos des Goisses vineyard

Wines made at Philipponnat:

Beyond Clos des Goisses, Philipponnat's portfolio showcases a range of exceptional Champagnes, each reflecting the different facets of the region's terroirs. From the non-vintage Royale Réserve, which captures a stylistic snapshot of the House's essence, to the single-vineyard offerings and vintage expressions, the winery provides an impressive array for diverse palates. One of their crowning achievements is the Réserve Millésimée, a vibrant testament to the particularities of a given harvest year, reflecting the climate, the soil, and the savoir-faire of the winemaker.

Philipponnat Clos des Goisses: A Burgundian approach in Champagne:

Nestled in the village of Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, Philipponnat’s iconic Clos des Goisses vineyard is a beacon of excellence in the Champagne region, famed for its steep, south-facing slope. This unique terroir, with gradients ranging from 35 to 45 degrees, basks in unobstructed sunshine, fostering an unusually warm microclimate that propels the grapes towards optimal ripeness, regardless of the vintage. Its 5.5 hectares are a meticulously balanced blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, historically favoring Chardonnay for its affinity with the vineyard's intensely chalky soils. Today, the typical composition leans towards a 60%-70% Pinot Noir and 30%-40% Chardonnay blend, showcasing a wine of unparalleled richness and power, yet marked by a vivacious acidity and structural integrity attributable to its calcareous base.

Since its inaugural 1935 vintage, Clos des Goisses has been revered as among the longest-lived wines of the region, requiring substantial post-disgorgement ageing to unveil its full spectrum of character—a trait that hints at its capacity to evolve gracefully over decades. Clos des Goisses mirrors the Burgundian philosophy of single vineyard and vintage expression, a concept deeply ingrained by Charles Philipponnat, who esteems the vineyard's ability to produce Champagne that resonates with the robustness and fruit-forward generosity characteristic of Burgundy. With production hovering anywhere between 3,000 to 30,000 bottles per vintage depending on the growing season, Clos des Goisses remains a rare gem, akin to micro-production Burgundies, and a testament to the Philipponnat legacy of showcasing terroir through Champagne. Dosage is low at around 4.5g/L.

Philipponnat Extra-Brut Clos des Goisses L.V.

It's been well recorded that Philipponnat's Clos des Goisses needs a great deal of post-disgorgement ageing to fully reveal its character. he "L.V." stands for "Long Vieillissement," indicating that these bottles have undergone an extended post-disgorgement ageing process, a hallmark of the estate's practice to unveil the wine's fullest potential. For instance, the 1997 vintage was released nearly a quarter-century post-harvest, demonstrating a commitment to allowing the wine to mature to a state of sublime complexity and depth. This extended cellaring under the winery's masterful eye ensures that each bottle presents a refined, richly nuanced expression of the celebrated Clos des Goisses terroir

Philipponnat Les Cintres

Philipponnat's Les Cintres is an exquisite expression of Champagne, originating from a prized parcel within the famed Clos des Goisses vineyard. As a single-vineyard cuvée, it showcases an unparalleled depth and complexity. Predominantly made from Pinot Noir, Les Cintres emphasizes the varietal's strength and structure, while its meticulous vinification and ageing processes highlight the wine's finesse and elegance. This exceptional Champagne is a vivid portrayal of terroir, offering a rich palate, precise acidity, and a long, memorable finish.