From Champagne, France

Based in Mareuil sur Ay, in Montagne de Reims, Philipponnat holds a long history tracing back to 1522, and at some stage supplied the King of France Louis XIV.

Their approach is based on their exceptional Terroir, enabling them great maturity to deliver flavourful, powerful, and well-balanced Champagne. The house is one of the most prestigious of Champagne, ranked as #18 most admired brand by Drinks Business Magazine in 2019. To many, the house remains one of the best-kept secrets in Champagne!

The Clos des Goisses is the pride of the house. The first clos and first terroir to be vinified and blended separately, Clos des Goisses is unique and instantly recognisable for its extremely steep slope. Its walled 5.5 hectares vineyard is not only the oldest in Champagne but also the steepest, at 45°. This explains the origin of its name: in the local dialect, «Gois» means a very steep slope. This exceptional terroir with chalky soil is ideally situated facing due South, on Mareuil-sur-Ay’s best hillside.

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• Blend: 61% Pinot Noir and 39% Chardonnay.


• Vinification: Traditional, partial vinification in wooden barrels (37%) leads to more complexity without premature oxidation. There is no malolactic fermentation, which enables the wine’s natural acidity to compensate for the powerful character of the terroir.


• Aging: Extended aging for about 8 years at a constant temperature of 12°C in the House’s historic cellars in Mareuil-sur-Ay.


• Dosage Extra Brut (4.25 g/litre) gives full expression to the vinosity and minerality of this exceptional vineyard.


• 2009: A ripe year with great contrasts, which finished very well! After a severe winter, spring was stormy. Mild, wet weather was conducive to outbreaks of mildew. Luckily five weeks of warm, dry weather just before the grape harvest led to exceptional grape soundness. The vintage was fruit-laden with moderate acidity. There was more sunshine during the year than in 2008, with levels approaching those of 2002. Harvest from 13 to 16 September.

Tasting Notes:

• To the eye: Bright gold, with fine, delicate froth mousse.


• With the nose:  Initially, the nose is very expressive and complex, with spicy, toasted notes of chili and pepper. On being aerated it reveals fruit-laden aromas of Morello, Amarena and black cherries.


• With the mouth: Fresh and mineral-driven. The fruity notes of Morello cherry and spices are apparent on the finish. An intense, well-structured wine with a wonderfully long finish.


• Food pairing: Clos des Goisses is a very fine wine before being a very fine champagne. A perfect and unforgettable match for strong-flavoured dishes such as game, truffles, caviar and soft cheeses. When young, it is an equally good match with shellfish and white meats. Young bottles will often benefit from being decanted into a carafe.


• Storage: Cellar aged for nine years and put on the market only when perfectly mature, it can then be kept for several decades and will continue to develop magnificently in the right conditions.