Philipponnat : Clos des Goisses 1998

A powerful, complex and refined champagne by Philipponnat

The producer

Established for nearly five centuries in Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, the Philipponnat Champagne House is one of the historic names in the Champagne region. Singularity, excellence, generosity and simplicity are the values that guide this house, which has remained a family-owned business. Owned by the house since 1935, the mythical Clos des Goisses is one of the oldest and most prestigious plots in the Champagne region. This utter gem is the source of rare and exceptionally powerful champagnes.

The vineyard

The Philipponnat Champagne house reigns over an exceptional 20-hectare vineyard composed of Premiers and Grands Crus in Aÿ, Mareuil-sur-Aÿ and Avenay. The Clos des Goisses spreads across 5.83 hectares of vines and is situated on a 45° slope and planted with Pinot Noir and Chardonnay vines. The name stems from the old Champagne dialect "gois", which means a very steep hillside. Resting on pure chalk soils and facing south, the Clos des Goisses is one of the warmest terroirs in the Champagne region. The plot’s average temperatures are 1.5°C higher than in the rest of the region. Due to its steep slope, the Clos des Goisses vineyard is worked by hand and the plots are rigorously monitored, excluding the use of synthetic herbicides and insecticides. The soil is worked with ploughing and weeding.

Vinification and ageing

Partial vinification in wood. Malolactic fermentation is not carried out in order to preserve the natural acidity of the wine and to offset the powerful expression of the terroir. This champagne is aged for several years in the cellars of Maison Philipponnat.

The blend

The 1998 Clos des Goisses by Philipponnat is comprised of 65% Pinot Noir and 35% Chardonnay.

Clos des Goisses 1998: Characteristics and tasting tips

The tasting

Colour

The robe reveals an intense golden colour. The effervescence is fine and delicate.

Nose

The nose is very complex with notes of ripe fruit and flowers, enhanced by smoky and mineral notes.

Palate

The palate is seduced by this champagne’s power and intense minerality.

Service

In order to let it express its full potential, it best to decant Clos des Goisses 1998 by Philipponnat before tasting it.

Cellaring

Having reached perfect maturity after a lengthy ageing period in the house’s cellars, this refined champagne will continue to evolve over the decades to come, provided it is stored in the appropriate conditions.