Philipponnat : Cuvée 1522 Grand cru 2015

 A fine vintage champagne with an alluring freshness and richness

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 Cuvée 1522 Grand Cru 2015 by Philipponnat is made from illustrious terroirs of Champagne. The Pinot Noir grapes mainly come from the historical vineyard of "Léon" in Aÿ and the Chardonnay grapes come from the vineyard of Verzenay.

The name of the Cuvée 1522 Grand Cru by Philipponnat refers to the date when the Philipponnat family settled in the village of Aÿ.

The vintage

A relatively cool spring preceded a summer that was unique in its sunshine and dry conditions, causing significant water stress. The rainy spells at the beginning of September were beneficial for the vineyard and boosted ripeness levels. While the harvest in the Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, Aÿ and Avenay areas proceeded normally, the hillside vineyards, which are mainly exposed to the south, produced grapes with an optimal concentration, ranging from moderate to low yields.

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. Aged for six years, this champagne is a refined expression of the minerality, freshness and balance of the finest Champagne terroirs. The dosage is 4.25 gr/litre.

The blend

Pinot Noir (70%)

Chardonnay (30%).

Philipponnat’s Cuvée 1522 Grand Cru 2015: Characteristics and tasting tips 

The tasting

Colour

This champagne reveals a beautiful pale yellow gold colour. The effervescence is lively and delicate.

Nose

Fresh and expressive, the nose progressively blends citrus peel and lime fragrances with delicious grilled and spicy notes.

Palate

Harmoniously combining freshness and greediness, the palate is seduced by this wine’s citrus notes (blood orange) and spicy notes, typical features of the Ay terroir. The finish is persistent and has a strong minerality.

Food and wine pairing

The Cuvée 1522 Grand Cru 2015 by Philipponnat is ideal with seafood, poached or grilled fish, capon, caviar or Indian tandoori. Although this exceptional champagne will complement an array of meals, pairings with sweet and sour dishes are not recommended.

Service

For an optimal tasting, serve between 8 and 9°C as an aperitif and 10 to 12°C when eating.

Cellaring

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