Philipponnat Clos des Goisses Juste Rosé 2012

Winery Background and History

Philipponnat traces its roots back to 1522 when the family first started cultivating vineyards in Aÿ. The modern Champagne house was established in 1910 in Mareuil‑sur‑Aÿ. The estate gained singular prominence when it acquired the famed Clos des Goisses vineyard in 1935, one of the steepest and most distinctive terroirs in Champagne. Under the leadership of Charles Philipponnat since 2000, the house has undergone a renaissance, reviving its heritage and establishing a reputation for producing intense, terroir-driven Champagnes of the highest quality  .

Producer and Wine Maker

Since 2000, Charles Philipponnat has stewarded the house, reintroducing oak fermentation and emphasizing purity and precision in the wines. The team includes cellar master Thierry Garnier, under whom the production of Clos des Goisses Juste Rosé transitioned to the saignée method. He ensures that winemaking choices—such as low dosage and avoidance of malolactic fermentation—highlight the unique terroir of the Clos des Goisses  .

Vineyards and Micro Climate

The Clos des Goisses vineyard spans approximately 5.5 hectares on an extremely steep (30–45°) south-facing chalk slope above the Marne River in Mareuil‑sur‑Aÿ. Its orientation and soil create a microclimate notably warmer than the surrounding Champagne region, granting exceptional ripeness and structure—even in cooler vintages  .

Vinification & Aging Methods

The 2012 Juste Rosé is produced using the saignée method, with approximately 18% of still red wine from the Clos des Goisses maceration added for color. About 40–100% of the cuvée is fermented in seasoned oak barrels; malolactic fermentation is avoided. The wine undergoes extended aging at a constant 12 °C in the historic cellars, with a very low dosage of 4.25–4.5 g/l  .

Tasting Notes

Very pale pink in the glass, the nose reveals notes of elderflower, redcurrant, guava, and toasted nuances. The palate is rich yet mineral, with red berries, blackberry, violet, tangerine, dried rose petals, and a refined finish with persistent freshness and elegance  .

Food & Wine Pairing

This wine’s finesse and balance make it an outstanding companion for gourmet dishes—particularly roasted pigeon with raspberries or dishes with strong, rich flavors that complement its complexity and freshness  .

Service Methods and Temperatures

Serve chilled, ideally between 8–10 °C to preserve delicate aromas and mousse. Pour into tulip-shaped sparkling wine or magnum Champagne glasses to highlight its bouquet and texture  .

Storage and Aging Potential

Philipponnat cellars the wine for around nine years before release to reach perfect maturity. Once disgorged, this 2012 vintage can continue to age gracefully for several decades, gaining depth and complexity  .

Grape Varietals & percentage used

68% Pinot Noir, 32% Chardonnay  .

ABV (Alcohol by Volume)

Approximately 12.5%  .

Scores

98 – Jeb Dunnuck

97 – James Suckling

95 – Wine Advocate (Robert Parker)