Champagne Philipponnat Blanc de Noirs Extra-Brut 2020

Champagne Philipponnat Blanc de Noirs Extra-Brut 2020

Champagne Philipponnat Blanc de Noirs Extra-Brut 2020 is an exceptional wine made exclusively from black grapes grown in the finest terroirs of the Montagne de Reims. This vintage cuvée powerfully and precisely expresses the maturity and structural complexity of a remarkable wine-growing year. Its technical profile, characterised by a very low dosage, is aimed at connoisseurs seeking integrity and an unadulterated, vinous expression.

Terroir and Expertise

The geological foundation of this cuvée lies in the chalky terroir and limestone scree substrates typical of the Premier Crus and Grands Crus of the Montagne de Reims, particularly the Ay and Mareuil-sur-Ay sectors. This demanding mineral substrate provides the roots with a regulated water supply, which is reflected in the wine as a distinctive saline tension. The 2020 vintage, characterised by optimal climatic conditions that fostered ideal concentration in the berries, is composed of 100 per cent Pinot Noir.

The winemaking method follows the house’s rigorous protocol: a significant proportion of the base wines is vinified in oak, promoting natural micro-oxygenation which refines the structure without masking the fruit. Malolactic fermentation is carried out partially to preserve a fresh, natural acidity. After bottling, the cuvée undergoes extended ageing on lees for a minimum of 5 to 6 years in the estate’s cellars, allowing autolytic aromas to develop. Disgorgement is followed by a low dosage, classified as‘extra-brut’ (less than 4.5 g/L), preserving the wine’s original purity and the estate’s geological character.

Sensory Profile

• Colour: The wine displays a deep golden hue, adorned with slightly coppery highlights that betray the exclusive origin of the black grape varieties. The effervescence is fine, even and persistent, forming a dense column of foam.
• Nose: The nose opens with intense notes of ripe red berries (redcurrant, raspberry) and nuts. With aeration, the profile is enriched with complex hints of toast, brioche and subtle roasted notes resulting from extended ageing on the lees.
• Palate: The attack on the palate is clean, straightforward and vinous. The structure unfolds with controlled power, supported by a full-bodied texture and a fleshy mouthfeel. The finish is exceptionally long-lasting, lingering on noble citrus bitterness (pink grapefruit) and a chalky minerality with high salinity.

Serving Advice

To fully express its sensory potential, the Philipponnat Blanc de Noirs Extra-Brut 2020 Champagne should be served at a precise temperature of 8°C to 10°C. Serving it too cold would prevent the grape variety’s aromas from fully developing. This full-bodied wine pairs perfectly with distinctive gourmet dishes: roasted white meat, chicken breast with morel mushrooms, matured Reims ham, or firm-fleshed rock fish. It is also a superb match for hard, pressed cheeses such as mature Comté or Beaufort.

Why choose this cuvée?

• The purity of a single-varietal vintage wine: A 100% Pinot Noir from a single exceptional vintage, offering an unvarnished, vertical expression of the terroir.
• Expertise in oak-aged winemaking: The partial use ofoak barrels lends a mature character and a rare structural complexity.
• Low dosage: The ‘extra-brut’ classification guarantees absolute respect for the wine’s typical character and uncompromising freshness.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the blend of grape varieties in the Philipponnat Blanc de Noirs 2020 Champagne?
  This cuvée is a pure Blanc de Noirs, made exclusively from 100% Pinot Noir grapes sourced from the crus of the Montagne de Reims.
• What is the dosage of this extra-brut Champagne?
  The amount of sugar added after disgorgement is minimal, in keeping with the extra-brut category, which preserves the wine’s natural tension and minerality.
• How long has this cuvée been aged in the cellars?
  The wine undergoes extended ageing on its lees for at least five years in the house’s cellars before being released, enhancing the complexity of its bouquet.
• Is any of the wine aged in oak?
  Yes, a significant proportion of the base wines are vinified in oak barrels, which lends fullness and a silky texture to the final structure.
• What are the recommended food pairings?
  Due to its full-bodied character, this champagne pairs well with flavourful white meats, firm-fleshed fish or mature cheeses such as Comté.
• Can the 2020 vintage be cellared?
  Absolutely. Thanks to its internal acidity and the power of the Pinot Noir, this bottle has excellent ageing potential of 10 to 15 years under temperature-controlled conditions.