Philipponnat : Cuvée 1522 1er cru Rosé 2015

Characteristics and tasting advice for Philipponnat Cuvée 1522 1er cru Rosé 2015

Tasting

Appearance

The wine displays a delicate pale pink hue, enhanced by subtle orange highlights.

Nose

The nose is expressive and intense, revealing aromas of orange, marzipan and red berries. Spicy notes reminiscent of Espelette pepper mingle with touches of kirsch and stone fruits, reflecting the peppery character typical of Pinot Noir from Aÿ.

Palate

The attack is straightforward and lively, characteristic of extra-brut dosage and preserved natural acidity. The palate unfolds flavors of black cherries, citrus and red berries, underpinned by a pronounced minerality drawn from the chalky soils. The texture is both fresh and fruity, with refined elegance. The finish is clean and mineral, extended by a crystalline acidity that adds length and definition.

Food and Wine Pairings

This gastronomic Champagne pairs perfectly with seafood and shellfish, notably lobster, whose sweetness harmonizes beautifully with the wine’s lemony and mineral notes. It also shines alongside noble fish, slow-cooked lamb, foie gras, as well as aged cheeses such as Comté or Parmesan. Red-berry desserts, especially those made with strawberries and raspberries, are also an excellent match.

Serving and cellaring

Cuvée 1522 1er cru Rosé 2015 is ideally enjoyed at a temperature between 8 and 10°C. Its structure and acidic balance give it an aging potential of at least ten years from bottling.

A characterful rosé Champagne from historic terroirs

The estate

Founded in 1910 in Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, the Philipponnat House perpetuates a winegrowing heritage dating back to 1522, when Apvril le Philipponnat acquired plots in the locality of Le Léon. Now led by Charles Philipponnat, representing the fifteenth generation of the family, with his son François as Export Director, the House farms around 20 hectares of classified vineyards. Renowned for its mastery of Pinot Noir and its commitment to sustainable viticulture, Philipponnat has obtained the HVE and VDC certifications. The estate notably owns the prestigious Clos des Goisses, considered the first clos in Champagne created in the region.

The vineyard

Cuvée 1522 1er cru Rosé 2015 comes from Grand Cru plots located in outstanding terroirs of Champagne. Pinot Noir is sourced from the historic Le Léon plot in Aÿ and from Mailly, both classified Grand Cru. Chardonnay comes from Verzy, also Grand Cru on the Côte des Blancs. The red wine used for color is produced in Mareuil-sur-Aÿ. These vineyards benefit from south and south-east exposures on chalk and limestone soils that give the wines their characteristic minerality.

The vintage

The year 2015 stood out for a dry summer that created unusual water stress for the vines. Despite this drought, autumn rains allowed the grapes to reach exceptional ripeness. The generous sunshine at the end of summer proved particularly beneficial for hillside vineyards facing due south, enabling the wines to reach alcohol levels of 13% and above. This vintage produced wines of great purity, combining generosity with remarkable balance.

Winemaking and aging

Cuvée 1522 1er cru Rosé 2015 was vinified 50% in oak barrels, without malolactic fermentation in order to preserve freshness and bring greater complexity. The rosé color is obtained using the traditional saignée method, thanks to the addition of 8% Pinot Noir red wine. The Champagne then benefited from eight years of aging on the lees in the House’s historic cellars, kept at a constant temperature of 12°C.

Grape varieties

Pinot Noir (83%)
Chardonnay (17%)
Addition of 8% Pinot Noir vinified as red wine