Philipponnat : Grand Blanc 2018

Characteristics and tasting advice for Philipponnat Grand Blanc 2018

Tasting

Appearance

With a very pale gold hue, almost translucent, this champagne is laced with a stream of exceptionally fine, persistent bubbles.

Nose

Delicate and refined, the bouquet reveals notes of citrus and elderflower. With aeration, it evolves toward pastry and fresh almond aromas, reflecting extended aging on the lees. Subtle touches of menthol and white fruits gradually emerge.

Palate

A lovely creamy freshness unfolds on the palate, carried by aromas of lemon and citron. The silky texture is complemented by light hints of licorice, while the lingering finish reveals a pleasant iodine note characteristic of limestone terroirs.

Food and wine pairings

This champagne pairs perfectly with shellfish such as langoustines and lobster, whether poached or served with beurre blanc. It also elevates fish prepared with delicate buttery sauces.

Serving and cellaring

Grand Blanc 2018 is ideally enjoyed between 6 and 8°C as an aperitif. For table service, opt for a temperature between 9 and 11°C to fully reveal its aromatic complexity. This champagne can be cellared until around 2029.

A fresh champagne with mineral elegance

The estate

Founded in 1910 by brothers Auguste and Pierre Philipponnat, the Philipponnat House draws on a winegrowing heritage dating back to 1522. Located in Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, the estate controls around twenty hectares of Premier and Grand Cru vineyards. Since 1997, it has belonged to the Lanson-BCC group led by Bruno Paillard, who entrusted management to Charles Philipponnat, the sixteenth generation of the family. The House stands out for its environmental commitment, certified HVE in 2024, and for its renowned Clos des Goisses, acquired in 1935.

The vineyard

Grand Blanc 2018 comes exclusively from parcels classified as Premier and Grand Cru located in Avenay, Chouilly, Oger, Vertus and Trépail. These Côte des Blancs terroirs rest on chalk and limestone soils, giving the wines their distinctive mineral character. Only the first-press juice was used for this cuvée, ensuring finesse and delicacy.

The vintage

The 2018 vintage proved exceptional in Champagne, marked by remarkable dryness from mid-June onward. Warm, sunny conditions encouraged optimal concentration of aromas and high ripeness. Harvesting began on August 27, three days before the official date, and ended on September 8, yielding grapes of outstanding quality with generous yields.

Winemaking and aging

Grand Blanc 2018 was vinified 38% in oak barrels, with the remainder in stainless-steel tanks. The barrel-aged wines did not undergo malolactic fermentation in order to preserve their natural vibrancy, while the tank wines benefited from partial malolactic fermentation for balance. The champagne then aged for six years on the lees at a constant temperature of 12°C in the historic cellars of the Château de Mareuil before disgorgement.

Grape variety

100% Chardonnay