Philipponnat Champagne

Philipponnat Champagne

History of the house Philipponnat

The renowned champagne house Philipponnat was founded in 1910 in the picturesque village of Mareuil-sur-Aÿ a municipality that enjoys a special reputation in the wine world. It was founded by the long-established Philipponnat family, who had been involved in winegrowing for centuries. In fact, the family's winemaking tradition dates back to 1522, when the first members of the family settled in Aÿ and began cultivating wine.

Over the centuries, the family acquired numerous plots of land in the best locations in the Champagne. These many years of experience and the extensive knowledge of viticulture in the region laid the foundation for the quality and success of the Philipponnat house today Champagne.

Acquisition by Bruno Paillard

In 1987, the Philipponnat house underwent a significant change when it was taken over by the champagne company Bruno Paillard. This acquisition allowed Philipponnat Champagne to benefit from the resources and expertise of the Paillard family, while maintaining its independence and distinctive style.

The Clos des Goisses

The flagship of the Philipponnat Champagne house is undoubtedly the Cuvée de Prestige "Clos des Goisses". This exceptional champagne comes from a unique single vineyard that extends over 5.5 hectares and faces south with an extreme slope of 45 degrees. This special location allows for optimal exposure to the sun and contributes to the exceptional ripeness of the grapes.

The Clos des Goisses is mainly made from Pinot Noir (70%) and Chardonnay (30%) and is only produced in the best vintages. Examples of outstanding Vintages This cuvée is characterised by its incredible complexity, power and longevity. The Clos des Goisses is considered to be one of the best and longest-lived champagnes ever and is a symbol of the excellence and innovative spirit of Philipponnat.

Current vineyards and production of Philipponnat Champagne

Today, the vineyards of Philipponnat Champagne cover a total of 20 hectares, 12 of which are owned by the company. These own vineyards cover around 20% of the company's grape requirements. The remaining grapes are sourced from long-standing partner winegrowers who fulfil Philipponnat's high quality standards.

The estate's vineyards are mainly planted with Pinot Noir, as this grape variety forms the backbone of most Philipponnat cuvées. Chardonnay and, to a lesser extent, Pinot Meunier are also cultivated. This careful selection and care of the vineyards ensures the consistently high quality of Philipponnat champagnes.

Production process and philosophy

Philipponnat Champagne places great emphasis on traditional production methods combined with modern techniques to improve quality. The grapes are harvested by hand to ensure that only the best and ripest fruit is used. After the harvest, the grapes are gently pressed and the must is fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks.

A special feature of the Philipponnat champagnes is the long maturation on the lees. This extended ageing gives the wines additional complexity and depth. In addition, the house often uses wines from reserve stocks that are several years old for its best cuvées in order to achieve an additional dimension and maturation.

The headquarters and visitor centre

The headquarters of Philipponnat Champagne are still located in Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, where the family has its roots. The historic estate and modern production facilities are a favourite destination for wine lovers from all over the world. Visitors have the opportunity to tour the vineyards, take part in tastings and experience the fascinating History of the house.

Conclusion

Philipponnat champagne is a prime example of a champagne house that cherishes its roots and traditions while looking to the future. With its famous Clos des Goisses and meticulous craftsmanship, it has earned a firm place in the world of high-quality champagne. The combination of historical heritage, innovative techniques and an unwavering dedication to quality makes Philipponnat one of the most respected and sought-after names in Champagne.