Product Description
The Philipponnat family has been based in the Champagne region since the 17th century. Their history dates effectively back to 28th July 1697, when Pierre Philipponnat registered his coat of arms – chequered in gold and red – still the emblem of the house to this day. After establishing themselves as vineyard owners, the Philipponnats started elaborating champagnes in the middle of the nineteenth century. In 1910, Auguste and Pierre Philipponnat created the champagne house and acquired historical cellars dating back to the 18th century in Mareuil-sur-Aÿ. In 1935, Pierre purchased Clos des Goisses, located at the edge of the village, which had previously been owned by several vintners. By so doing, he was able to reconstitute this exceptional vineyard entirely made up of hillsides facing southward – unparalleled in the Champagne region. Philipponnat is one of the main owners of grand and premier cru vineyards, with its 17-hectare vineyard holding comprising mainly Pinot Noir grapes. The vines are located in the villages of Mareuil, Avenay, Mutigny and Ay and each have traditional and symbolic names: Les Remissones, La Bauve, Buisson Saint Loup, Cuivron, etc. Clos des Goisses proper includes 5.5 hectares of exceptional vines, entirely on southward-facing slopes, overlooking the Marne river. On this unique site, work is still carried out by hand, and workers use small foot-ladders to reach the various plots, all walled in and bathed in sunshine, producing very mature grapes. From the top the vineyards, is a place called Le Gruguet, you can see all of the wine-producing regions of Champagne: a prospect of great beauty – and great wealth – right up to the distant horizon. From this site, which is truly unique in the Champagne region, Philipponnat produces exceptional wines of stature.
Gold in colour. Explosive bouquet of musky yellow fruits, cherry pit, toasted grain and minerals; there’s something Jura-like about this. Deep, palate-staining mirabelle, peach pit and poached pear flavors are complicated by anise and bitter cherry skin, showing excellent grip. Finishes long and spicy, with excellent breadth. Remarkably complex and singular Champagne.