Philipponnat : Clos des Goisses 2006

A fine fruity and floral Champagne

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 Clos des Goisses spreads across 5.83 hectares of vines and is situated on a 45° slope and planted with Pinot Noir and Chardonnay vines. The name stems from the old Champagne dialect "gois", which means a very steep hillside. Resting on pure chalk soils and facing south, the Clos des Goisses is one of the warmest terroirs in the Champagne region. The plot’s average temperatures are 1.5°C higher than in the rest of the region. Due to its steep slope, the Clos des Goisses vineyard is worked by hand and the plots are rigorously monitored, excluding the use of synthetic herbicides and insecticides. The soil is worked with ploughing and weeding.

The vintage

The mild winter preceded a particularly hot spring and summer. Rainfall was slightly lower than in recent vintages. The harvest was abundant and fully ripe, giving rise to supple, elegant and fruity wines.

Vinification and ageing

Partial vinification in oak for 40%. Malolactic fermentation is not carried out in order to preserve the natural acidity of the wine and to offset the powerful expression of the terroir. This champagne is aged for a minimum of 8 to 10 years. The dosage is 4.25 g/litre, allowing the perfect expression of the vinosity and minerality of this vintage.

The blend

Philipponnat's Clos des Goisses 2006 comprises a blend of 65% Pinot Noir and 35% Chardonnay.

Clos des Goisses 2006 by Philipponnat: Characteristics and tasting tips

The tasting

Colour

The colour is a beautiful pale gold. The effervescence is very fine.

Nose

Perfumed, the nose reveals delicious fragrances of elderflower and tobacco smoke.

Palate

Fresh and supple, the attack gives way to intense notes of red fruit (blackberry, elderberry), toast and raspberry-flavoured brandy. Aromatic, the finish is exceptionally long.

Food and wine pairing

Philipponat's Clos des Goisses 2006 will complement refined dishes. Game, caviar, truffle dishes or soft cheeses sublimate its generous and powerful expression. This exceptional wine can also be enjoyed in its youth with shellfish and white meats.

Service

In order to allow it to express its full potential, it is best to decant Clos des Goisses 2006 by Philipponnat before relishing it.

Cellaring

Having reached perfect maturity following a prolonged ageing period in the house’s cellars, this highly refined champagne will continue to evolve over the decades to come, provided it is stored in the appropriate conditions.