Philipponnat : Cuvée 1522 1er cru Rosé 2009

The minerality and fruitiness of a rosé 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 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 name of the Cuvée 1522 Grand Cru by Philipponnat refers to the date when the Philipponnat family settled in the village of Ay. This cuvée comes from the most beautiful vineyards of the house, in particular from the historical parcels of "Léon" in Ay.

The vintage

A harsh winter preceded a very stormy spring. The mild and humid conditions that followed led to strong mildew pressure. A warm and dry climate five weeks before the harvest was ideal for refining the ripeness and achieving an exceptional and healthy condition. The harvest boasted a high quality with fruity berries and a moderate acidity. 2009 was marked by more sunshine than 2008 and close to that of 2002.

Vinification and ageing

Made from the house’s largest vineyards, this exceptional cuvée is partly vinified in wood without malolactic fermentation to preserve its freshness and develop its complexity. The addition of a Pinot Noir wine from Clos des Goisses to the original blend gives the wine its pink colour. Aged for eight years, this champagne is a refined expression of the minerality, freshness and balance of the greatest Champagne terroirs. The dosage is 4.25 gr/litre.

The blend

The Cuvée 1522 1er Cru Rosé 2009 by Philipponnat is the fruit of a blend of Pinot Noir (72%) from the historical vineyard of "Léon" d'Ay and Chardonnay (28%) from Mesnil-sur-Oger. This blend is completed by an addition of 9% Pinot Noir vinified as red wine, from the vineyards of Mareuil-sur-Ay.

Cuvée 1522 1er cru Rosé 2009 by Philipponnat: Characteristics and tasting tips

The tasting

Colour

The colour is a beautiful pale pink.

Nose

The nose blends intense notes of wild strawberry, red rose, candied orange peel and blood orange.

Palate

The finish is seductive with notes of citrus and blood orange as well as a spicy character marked by notes of red and Espelette chilli pepper.

Food and wine pairing

The Cuvée 1522 1er Cru Rosé 2009 by Philipponnat is ideal with lamb cooked at a low temperature, seafood thanks to its mineral and fruity character or with a fruity dessert (strawberries, raspberries).

Service

For an optimal tasting, serve between 8 and 9°C as an aperitif and 10 to 12°C at the dinner table.

Cellaring

This exceptional champagne can be kept in the cellar for a minimum of ten years to develop its aromatic complexity.