Philipponnat : Blanc de Blancs Extra-Brut 2018

Characteristics and Tasting Notes of the Philipponnat Blanc de Blancs Extra-Brut 2018

Tasting Notes

Colour
This wine reveals a very pale gold hue, enhanced by a fine, delicate string of bubbles.

Nose
The aromatic bouquet opens with delicate notes of elderflower and citrus zest. With a little aeration, it gains in complexity, revealing indulgent hints of pastry and fresh almond.

Palate
From the very first sip, the palate is both fresh and creamy. It unfolds flavourful aromas of citron and citrus fruits, underscored by subtle nuances of liquorice. The finish, blessed with impressive length, lingers on an elegant saline touch.

Food and Wine Pairing

Perfect for elevating an aperitif, this wine also pairs beautifully with seafood such as lobster or prawns. It works equally well with fish served in sauce, poached dishes, or dishes prepared with beurre blanc.

Serving and Ageing

To fully appreciate this Blanc de Blancs Extra-Brut 2018, it is recommended to serve it between 6 and 8°C as an aperitif, and between 9 and 11°C alongside a meal. If stored in a cool, dark cellar, it will gain in fullness and can be kept for at least 5 years.

Other Characteristics

This cuvée stands out for its very precise Extra-Brut dosage, at 4.25 g/l.

A Champagne Blanc de Blancs of Great Purity from Philipponnat

The Estate

Although the family has been present in the region since 1522, the Champagne house Philipponnat was officially founded in 1910 in Mareuil-sur-Aÿ. Today, this prestigious brand belongs to the Lanson-BCC group, a member since 1997, while remaining under family management led by Charles Philipponnat. The estate spans a 20-hectare vineyard, certified Haute Valeur Environnementale (High Environmental Value). Renowned for its environmentally friendly approach and low dosages, the estate is famous for having created the very first single-vineyard champagne with its iconic "Clos des Goisses" cuvée.

The Vineyard

The grapes for this cuvée come exclusively from renowned chalky terroirs in Champagne. The selection focuses solely on plots classified as Premier and Grand Cru, located in the prestigious villages of Avenay, Chouilly, Oger, Vertus, and Trépail.

The Vintage

The year 2018 was marked by a particularly dry summer, with almost no rainfall from mid-June through to the harvest. Picking took place under optimal conditions from 27 August to 8 September, resulting in an overall highly satisfying quality.

Winemaking and Ageing

The Blanc de Blancs Extra-Brut 2018 is crafted using traditional winemaking methods, relying exclusively on first-press juice while limiting premature oxidation. The wines aged in tank undergo partial malolactic fermentation, whereas the significant proportion aged in wood (38%) undergoes none, in order to preserve a lovely freshness. Finally, this wine benefits from an extended ageing period of 6 years on lees.

Grape Variety

This cuvée is crafted from 100% Chardonnay.