Cuvée 1522 Vintage 2013

The Cuvée 1522 is Philipponnat's vintage champagne, named after the year in which the family is first recorded in Aÿ. The 2013 is made from 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay, both from grands crus, with the terroir of Aÿ at its heart. Part of the blend is aged in oak without malolactic fermentation, which preserves freshness and adds complexity. Eight years on the lees have refined it, and the dosage is 4.25 g/l.

On the nose it is fresh, concentrated and precise, with sweet almonds and candied lemon peel. Spicy notes join in on the palate, the texture is chalky and the finish very mineral. Its richness makes it a good food champagne: seafood, grilled fish, poultry, tandoori chicken or caviar. Serve it at 10 to 12 °C in a white wine glass. It will keep in the cellar for at least another ten years.