Philipponnat : Clos des Goisses 2011

The aromatic richness and refinement of an exceptional champagne

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 Philipponnat Champagne house reigns over an exceptional 20-hectare vineyard composed of Premiers and Grands Crus in Aÿ, Mareuil-sur-Aÿ and Avenay.

The vineyard

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.

The wine

Out of the 14 parcels of Clos des Goisses, only the 4 highest quality ones have been selected for the 2011 vintage.

The vintage

A dry and harsh winter preceded a particularly warm and early spring, favouring rapid vine development. The conditions from the end of May onwards, alternating rain, high temperatures and cool spells, put a lot of pressure on the health of the vineyard. The 2011 harvest, which began at the end of August, was the earliest in the history of the estate. The high-quality grapes give rise to an utterly fine champagne.

Vinification and ageing

Partial vinification in oak for 80% of the wine. 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 a minimum of 8 years. The dosage is 4.25 g/litre.

The blend

Historically, Philipponnat's Clos des Goisses 2011 is the first vintage made exclusively with Pinot Noir, due to the recent uprooting of Chardonnay vines in some parcels. Through this exceptional cuvée, the Pinot Noir varietal perfectly expresses its atypical and floral aromatic richness conferred by this vintage.

Clos des Goisses 2011 by Philipponnat: Characteristics and tasting tips

The tasting

Colour

This champagne showcases a beautiful golden hue with brilliant reflections. The effervescence is utterly exquisite.

Nose

Delicate and floral, the nose blends fragrances of elderflower, Darjeeling black tea and lime blossom honey with a mentholated finish.

Palate

Expressive, the palate is seduced by this champagne’s aromas of tea and black pepper. The finish is persistent and reveals a beautiful minerality.

Food and wine pairing

Philipponnat's Clos des Goisses 2011 is ideal for poularde aux morilles with a cream sauce.

Service

In order to let it express the fullness of its character, it is recommended to decant Clos des Goisses 2011 by Philipponnat before tasting it.

Cellaring

Having reached perfect maturity after a prolonged ageing period in the house’s cellars, this sophisticated champagne will continue to evolve over the coming decades, if it is cellared in optimal conditions.