The jewel in the Champagne Philipponnat crown is a tiny 5.5-hectare single walled vineyard called Clos des Goisses. Acquired in 1935, Pierre Philipponnat was quick to realise the potential of this unique plot and immediately started producing a single vineyard blend. Originally named Vin des Goisses, it was changed to Clos de Goisses in 1959 and thus the category of Clos champagnes (produced from grapes within walled vineyards) was born. Clos des Goisses is truly iconic: situated by the Marne canal, it is a steep-sloping, south-facing vineyard with an inclination of 35-45 degrees that can only be fully appreciated by visiting. Gois, means a very steep slope.

The name of Royale Réserve goes back to the ancestors of the Philipponnat family, vineyard owners, wine-merchants and winemakers, suppliers to Louis XIV, magistrates and Royal Mayors of Ay.

Vinification: Vinified using traditional methods to avoid premature oxidation. Partial malolactic fermentation and reserve wines aged in casks to allow the aromas to develop complexity. Moderate dosage (8 g/litre) to maintain a balance between freshness, fruitiness and vinosity without masking the wine’s character and purity.

The Blend: First press juice of mainly Grand and Premier Crus grapes from the heart of the Champagne wine-growing area. 20 to 30% of reserve wines are aged in wooden barrels using the solera system to incorporate older wines without losing freshness.

Weather: The 2019 growing period posed many challenges following budbreak in early April, which brought severe spring frosts that took their toll on the vineyards. Early summer was variable, with powdery mildew becoming a serious threat. The summer season saw two heatwaves in June and July, with a record-breaking temperature. As a consequence, scalding destroyed some 10% of the expected harvest. The warm and sunny weather continued throughout August and September, bringing concentration and richness. Cool nights were crucial in helping the grapes retain their fresh acidity. Chardonnay was more problematic in 2019, due to its susceptibility to powdery mildew. A slightly smaller crop was picked, commencing September 2nd. On paper, the potential alcohol level was slightly up from 2019 and the acidity a little higher, thus the balance looks excellent. Initial tasting confirms good tension and fine purity in the wines.

Technical Information:
Vineyards: 100% 1er Cru, Mareuil-sur-Ay - Single vineyard: Clos des Goisses
Grape Varieties: 67% Pinot Noir, 31% Chardonnay & 2% Pinot Meunier
Base vintage: 2019
Lees Ageing: 3 years
Reserve wines: 20% - 30%
Disgorged: March 2023
Dosage: 8 g/l
Drink: Now to 2040

Tasting Note: The Brut NV opens with a nose of crisp citrus, summer berries and fine biscuit aromas, the palate vinous yet high definition, with complex red fruit notes and gentle toast on the finish.