Philipponnat : Grand Blanc 2013

A lively and complex vintage champagne

The estate

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 boasts an exceptional 20-hectare vineyard, situated in Premiers and Grands Crus in Aÿ, Mareuil-sur-Aÿ and Avenay.

The vintage

Cold and sunny, the winter was punctuated by frequent frosts and snowfalls. The mild spring in April favoured budburst followed by a month of May which, having started out cool, was particularly cold and wet, thus slowing down the development of the vines. During the summer, these persistent conditions had an impact on the yields depending on the area and led to a hot, sunny and dry month of August when the harvest began. The only vintage of the 2000s whose harvest began in October, 2012 showcases a distinctive maturity, freshness and elegance.

Vinification and ageing

This wine is vinified in a traditional manner, in vats and underwood, to avoid premature oxidation. Only the juice vinified in vats undergoes partial malolactic fermentation. This champagne is aged for six to eight years and the dosage is 4.25 g/litre.

The blend

Philipponnat's Grand Blanc 2013 is a 100% Chardonnay. This champagne is made from vineyards in the Côte des Blancs. The first press exclusively comprises Premiers and Grands Crus.

The tasting

Colour

The colour is a beautiful light gold. The effervescence is delicate.

Nose

Lively, the nose combines citrus fruit, ripe grapefruit and yuzu with subtle notes of acacia flowers.

Palate

Full and creamy, the palate seduces with notes of lemon, yuzu and lime and leads to a refreshing, elegant and mineral finish.

Food and wine pairing

Enjoy as an apéritif, Grand Blanc 2013 by Philipponnat will complement fish and shellfish (shrimp, lobster), poached or served with a white butter sauce.

Service

For an optimal tasting experience, serve between 6 and 8°C as an aperitif and 9 to 11°C at the dinner table.

Cellaring

Grand Blanc 2013 by Philipponnat can be cellared until at least 2026, enabling it to develop its aromatic complexity.