Philipponnat: A champagne house with a royal history and unmistakable terroir character

In the heart of Champagne, in the picturesque village of Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, stands one of the oldest and most innovative champagne houses: Philipponnat. Winegrowing has been practised here for over five centuries, but it is only since the 17th century that the Philipponnat family has dedicated itself entirely to the art of champagne production. What makes this house so special is its deep connection to the terroir of Mareuil-sur-Aÿ - one of the few Premier Cru villages in Champagne - and its unmistakable style: powerful yet elegant, rich in flavours but always with a precise acidity structure. Philipponnat stands for champagnes that not only sparkle, but also tell stories - of historic vineyards, of artisanal perfection and of a family passionately dedicated to wine.

The roots: a family with royal connections

The history of the Philipponnat family dates back to 1522, when the first documented mention of the name appeared in Champagne. However, it was not until 1910 that Pierre Philipponnat founded the current Champagne house, after the family had been active as wine growers and merchants for generations. A special chapter in the story is the connection to King Louis XV, who appreciated the wines from Mareuil-sur-Aÿ and had them served at his court. Even today, the royal coat of arms in the house logo bears witness to this traditional past.

Another milestone was the acquisition of the famous "Clos des Goisses" parcel in 1935 - one of the steepest and sunniest vineyards in Champagne, which is now considered one of the best sites in the region. This climatic anomaly, located directly on the Marne, produces grapes of exceptional ripeness and concentration, which give Philipponnat's Champagnes their unmistakable depth.

The terroir of Mareuil-sur-Aÿ: minerality and finesse

Mareuil-sur-Aÿ is one of only 17 villages in Champagne to have Premier Cru status. The soils here are characterised by limestone and marl, which give the wines a distinctive minerality and longevity. Philipponnat owns around 20 hectares of its own vineyards, including some of the oldest plots in Champagne.

The speciality of the terroir lies in its orientation: the slopes of Mareuil-sur-Aÿ are exposed to the south and south-east, which guarantees optimal sunshine. At the same time, the proximity to the Marne provides a temperate microclimate that protects the grapes from extreme weather conditions. The main grape varieties are Pinot Noir (which accounts for around 60% of the plantings) and Chardonnay, with Philipponnat focussing in particular on old, ungrafted vines that penetrate deep into the limestone soil and thus develop a unique spectrum of aromas.

Clos des Goisses: a legend among Champagne vineyards

The crowning glory of the Philipponnat portfolio is undoubtedly the "Clos des Goisses" - a champagne that has been vinified almost unchanged since 1935 from the same 5.5-hectare plot. What makes this wine so special is its exceptional ripeness: with a slope of up to 45 degrees and a southern orientation, the grapes ripen here under almost Mediterranean conditions.

The Clos des Goisses is only produced in outstanding vintages and typically consists of around two thirds Pinot Noir and one third Chardonnay. After maturing in the bottle for at least eight years, it develops a spectrum of flavours ranging from ripe apricots to candied ginger root and smoky mineral notes - a champagne of unparalleled complexity and depth.

The Philipponnat philosophy: respect for the terroir

What sets Philipponnat apart from many other champagne houses is its consistent renunciation of technical manipulation. Chef de Cave Charles Philipponnat (who ran the house until 1999) and his successor are committed to:

• Spontaneous fermentation: unlike many large houses, Philipponnat does not use industrial yeasts, but allows the cellar's natural yeasts to take over fermentation - for more terroir expression.

• Long lees contact time: Most cuvées mature on the lees for at least twice as long as required by law, which gives them additional complexity.

• Restrained dosage: Most Philipponnat champagnes have a dosage of less than 8 g/l, which emphasises the natural freshness of the wine.

The portfolio: From the classic cuvée to the rarity

1. Royale Réserve Non Dosé: A purist champagne without any dosage, which shows the pure minerality of Mareuil-sur-Aÿ.

2. 1522: The prestige cuvée of the house, named after the year the family was founded, a harmonious blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

3. Clos des Goisses: The legendary single-vineyard cuvée, which is only produced in the best years.

4. Grand Blanc: A pure Chardonnay from Grand Cru vineyards that impresses with its floral elegance.

The future: tradition and innovation in harmony

Since the takeover by the EPI Group (which also owns Château La Lagune) in 1997, Philipponnat has continued to raise its quality standards. Investments in modern presses and even stricter parcel selection show that the house wants to preserve tradition without closing itself off to new technologies.

At the same time, Philipponnat is increasingly focussing on sustainable cultivation: all of its own vineyards have been HVE-certified since 2015, and the first biodynamic trials are already underway.

Conclusion: Champagne with character

In a region where many large houses are focussing on consistent styles, Philipponnat courageously preserves its individuality. Whether the powerful Clos des Goisses or the delicate Royale Réserve - every champagne from this house bears the unmistakable signature of Mareuil-sur-Aÿ. For connoisseurs, Philipponnat has always been an insider tip; for the house itself, it is an obligation to keep the soul of Champagne alive in every bottle.

Philipponnat - the champagne house of the legendary single vineyard Clos des Goisses, where powerful Pinot Noir and mineral Chardonnay find their perfect balance in prestige cuvées matured in wooden barrels.