Philipponnat, Blanc de Noirs, Champagne, France, 2014

Overview of the Wine
For almost 5 centuries, the Philipponnat family has left its mark on the Champagne region. They succeeded one another on the lands of Aÿ, cradle of the family since Apvril Le Philipponnat, vineyard owner in the locality « Le Leon », between Aÿ and Dizy since 1522.

In the 16th century, the family’s ancestors were wine-growers and wine-merchants, suppliers for Louis XIV, Magistrates, and Maîtres Royaux of the City of Aÿ, which was under direct control of the Crown according to the charter of Henry IV, King of France, who was referred to primarily as Sieur d’Aÿ, among all his other titles.

Established in the heart of the Champagne region, the Philipponnat House possesses a unique legacy: its historical wine cellars dating back to the 18th century were those of the Château de Mareuil, a village at the heart of the Champagne region, classified as Premier Cru.

The Philipponnat House also possesses a unique vineyard in the region: the Clos des Goisses, a 5 hectares hillside with a slope of 45 degrees that gives it its name (goisse in champenois refers to a very steep hillside), extremely rich in pure chalk, thus providing olfactory and gustative strength due to its very unique soil.

Truthful to its charter, Premiers Grands Crus only upheld from this famous House of Champagne the ones that were either classified Premier Cru or Grand Cru.

Grape / Blend
100% Pinot Noir 

Origin
Champagne, France

Winemaker's Tasting Notes
To the eye; Light, bright gold with fine, lively bubbles. Persistent and generous froth. With the nose; Open and fruit-driven with notes of white currant, fresh quince and citrus. Partial vinification in wooden barrels (20% of the blend) brings aromas of honey and toast and a finish with touches of vanilla. With the mouse; The palate is fresh and fruity, with a fine mineral texture reminiscent of chalk. The finish is long and persistent with subtle hints of pepper and spices.

94 Points - Wine Enthusiast
Produced from Pinot Noir grown in grand cru and premier cru vineyards, this is an exceptional wine. With its age, it has developed touches of maturity to supplement the crisp fruitiness and layered acidity. Drink this fine Champagne now.

93 Points - Wine Spectator 
A sleek and minerally Champagne, offering a juicy and appealing mix of black currant and black cherry fruit, crystallized honey and salted almond flavors. Well-knit, with a bright spine of acidity and a finely detailed mousse. Disgorged February 2021. Drink now through 2029. 2,500 cases made, 50 cases imported.

Product size: 750ml