Philipponnat Royale Réserve Brut NV 375ml

Winery Background and History

Philipponnat’s documented winemaking heritage spans over 500 years, with formal establishment in Mareuil‑sur‑Aÿ in 1910. Now under Lanson‑BCC, the family remains hands-on through Charles Philipponnat. The house combines deep respect for tradition and terroir with artisanal techniques—such as solera-aged reserve wines, oak fermentation, and extended lees aging—to produce refined, structured Champagnes that consistently express depth, elegance, and varietal purity  .

Producer and Wine Maker

Charles Philipponnat leads the winemaking direction, crafting NV blends with precision, using first-press juice and integrating 20–30% reserve wines via a solera system. The team employs traditional vinification methods, partial malolactic fermentation, and balance of oak and stainless steel to achieve complexity and consistency while maintaining freshness each vintage  .

Vineyards and Micro Climate

Grapes are sourced from a mosaic of Grand and Premier Cru vineyards around Aÿ, Mareuil‑sur‑Aÿ, Avenay, and Mutigny. These south-facing chalk slopes offer optimal sun exposure, good drainage, and contribute intense fruit concentration with refined minerality—hallmarks of the estate’s terroir‑centric style  .

Vinification & Aging Methods

This NV cuvée is made from first-press must, with 20–30% reserve wines aged using solera in barrels. Fermentation occurs in both oak and stainless steel, with partial malolactic fermentation, followed by approximately three years of lees aging. The wine is finished with a moderate dosage of ~8 g/L  .

Tasting Notes

The wine shows a deep golden hue and opens with aromas of vine blossom, linden, toasted bread, summer berries, citrus, and honey. On the palate, it’s full-bodied, generous, and long, brimming with juicy red fruit balanced by a generous texture and structured purity  .

Food & Wine Pairing

An excellent companion for charcuterie, oysters, refined seafood, white meats, duck‑fat fries, and truffled popcorn. Its balance of structure, freshness, and vinosity makes it versatile for refined appetizers and light gourmet fare  .

Service Methods and Temperatures

Serve chilled between 8–10 °C in tulip-shaped or sparkling wine glasses to showcase its aromatic depth, fine mousse, and layered texture  .

Storage and Aging Potential

Ready to drink upon release, Royale Réserve can also benefit from cellar aging. Its structural integrity and depth suggest it can age gracefully for several years  .

Grape Varietals & percentage used

65% Pinot Noir, 30% Chardonnay, 5% Pinot Meunier  .

ABV (Alcohol by Volume)

Approximately 12.0%  .

Scores (sorted highest to lowest)

94 – Wine Enthusiast 

93 – Wine Spectator 

92 – Wine Advocate (Robert Parker) 

92 – James Suckling