Philipponnat : Clos des Goisses 2012

A rich and refined iconic champagne

The producer

Established for nearly five centuries in Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, the Philipponnat Champagne House is one of the Champagne region's historical references. Having kept its family spirit, singularity, excellence, generosity and simplicity are the values that guide this house. Owned by the house since 1935, the mythical Clos des Goisses is one of the oldest and most prestigious clos in the Champagne region. This jewel is behind the creation of rare and exceptionally powerful champagnes.

The vineyard

The Philipponnat Champagne House watches over an exceptional 20-hectare Premiers and Grands Crus vineyard in Aÿ, Mareuil-sur-Aÿ and Avenay. The Clos des Goisses spreads over 5.83 hectares of vines located on a 45° slope. The vines are planted with Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The name comes from the old Champagne dialect "gois" meaning a very steep hillside. On south-facing chalk soils, the Clos des Goisses is one of the warmest terroirs in the Champagne region. Temperatures being 1.5°C higher, on average, than in the rest of the region. Due to its steep slope, the Clos des Goisses vineyard is worked on by hand, the plots are monitored very rigorously and exclude the use of synthetic herbicides and insecticides. The soils are worked, ploughing and weeding lead to the elimination of weeds.

The wine

This Clos des Goisses 2012 is made from a rigorous selection of this exceptional vineyard’s highest quality plots.

The vintage

Winter and spring were marked by frosts and cold weather just after flowering. These conditions led to coulure, which limited yields and concentrated the grapes. Although the summer season began with a very wet month of July, the favourable climate thereafter favoured ripening and therefore the quality of the grapes. The harvest took place from the 13th to the 24th of September.

The vinification and ageing

Partial vinification in wooden barrels for 62%. Malolactic fermentation is not carried out in order to preserve the natural acidity of the wine and to counterbalance the powerful expression of the terroir. This champagne is aged for a minimum of 8 years. The dosage is 4.25 g/litre.

The blending

Philipponnat's Clos des Goisses 2012 is a blend of Pinot Noir (61%) and Chardonnay (39%).

The tasting

Colour

Brilliant, the robe is a beautiful golden colour. The effervescence is fine and persistent.

Nose

This champagne exhudes fruity fragrances (raspberry, raspberry brandy) as well as delicious notes of praline, frangipane, sponge cake and pastry cream with great elegance.

Palate

A fresh and pure attack precedes an elegant palate with subtle minty notes. The finish seduces with its persistence and minerality.

Food and wine pairing

Philipponnat's Clos des Goisses 2012 is ideal with iodized fish, lobster or soft cheeses.

Service

In order to let this champagne express the fullness of its personality, it is recommended to decant the Clos des Goisses 2012 de Philipponnat before tasting it.

Storage

Having reached perfect maturity after prolonged ageing in the house’s cellars, this highly refined champagne will continue to evolve over the coming decades, provided it is kept in appropriate conditions.