Philipponnat Blanc de Noirs Extra Brut 2018

Winery Background and History

Philipponnat traces its documented winemaking heritage back to 1522 and formally established the Champagne house in Mareuil‑sur‑Aÿ in 1910. Still led by the Philipponnat family under Charles Philipponnat, the estate is celebrated for its bold expression of Pinot Noir, ownership of Clos des Goisses, long lees aging and restrained dosage. Its crafted style blends tradition, precision, and respect for terroir, consistently delivering Champagnes renowned for structure, depth, and finesse

Producer and Wine Maker

Under Charles Philipponnat’s leadership, the winemaking team focuses on first-press Pinot Noir, traditional vinification, balanced use of oak and prolonged lees contact to achieve harmonious complexity. The crew ensures each cuvée reflects the house’s signature style—bold, vinous, and terroir-driven—while preserving freshness and purity of fruit

Vineyards and Micro Climate

This Blanc de Noirs is sourced exclusively from Premier and Grand Cru sites within the Montagne de Reims region, including vineyards in Mareuil‑sur‑Aÿ and Avenay. Soils are chalk-rich with beneficial drainage, south exposures ensure ripeness, while the cooler microclimate retains acidity and aromatic freshness

Vinification & Aging Methods

Crafted as 100% Pinot Noir from first-press juice, approximately 57% of the wine is fermented in wood without malolactic fermentation; the remainder undergoes partial malolactic in vats. It carries an extra‑brut dosage of around 4.25 g/L and is aged on lees for four to six years to develop depth and complexity

Tasting Notes

The wine shows an intense golden hue with pink glints. The nose reveals floral aromas of violet and acacia followed by apricot, strawberry and morello cherry. The palate is full-bodied and generous, with forest fruit notes leading to a fresh, elegant finish with hints of spice, aniseed and liquorice

Food & Wine Pairing

Pairs beautifully with chicken tagine featuring apricots and almonds, rich foie gras and terrines. Serve around 8–9°C as an aperitif or slightly warmer (10–12°C) to accompany meals, enhancing its complexity and harmony

Service Methods and Temperatures

Serve chilled between 8–9 °C as an aperitif or 10–12 °C when paired with food. A tulip or classic Champagne glass is ideal to display its aromatic richness and fine mousse

Storage and Aging Potential

Enjoyable now after extended cellar aging, this vintage can also develop further if cellared properly (cool, dark environment) for at least five years and potentially longer, gaining tertiary complexity over time

Grape Varietals & percentage used

100% Pinot Noir

ABV (Alcohol by Volume)

Approximately 12.5%

Scores

94 – Wine Enthusiast

92 – Jeb Dunnuck