PhilipponnatRoyaleReserveBrutNV

The Philipponnat family, originally from Switzerland, settled in Champagne in the middle of the 16th century. Their history as vine-growers is believed to have begun in 1522, but the house as we know it today wasn’t officially founded until 1910. Pierre Philipponnat established his house in a difficult era, with the Champagne Riots, a World War, and the Great Depression incoming. But the house’s fortunes changed in 1935, when Pierre acquired what would eventually become one of Champagne’s greatest treasures and one of the world’s greatest wines â€?a little-known, steep-sloping, south-facing vineyard called Clos des Goisses, which is still the jewel in the Philipponnat crown today.rrIn 1997, the house was purchased by Bruno Paillard, becoming part of what is now the Lanson-BCC Group. Although Philipponnat has lost family ownership, it is now back under family management, after Paillard convinced sixteenth generation Charles Philipponnat to come and run the business his grandfather had founded 90 years earlier. Alongside cellar master Thierry Garnier, who has been with Philipponnat since 1993, Charles has been busy establishing a more Pinot-dominant house style, much-loved by connoisseurs. Philipponnat are also celebrated in the trade for printing disgorgement dates on their labels, which they have been doing since 1996. Today, Philipponnat enjoys growing acclaim from both wine critics and the world of haute cuisine.rrThe 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.rrVinification: 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.rrThe 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.rrWeather: 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. A slightly smaller crop was picked, commencing September 2nd. rrTechnical Information:rVineyards: Grand & 1er Cru vineyardsrGrape Varieties: 69% Pinot Noir, 28% Chardonnay & 3% Pinot MeunierrBase vintage: 2018rLees Ageing: 3 yearsrReserve wines: 26%rDisgorged: July 2022rDosage: 8 g/lrDrink: Now to 2040rrTasting 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.rrIn November 2025 this champagne was replaced by Philipponnat Reserve Perpetuelle Brut NV