Philipponnat Champagne Royal Reserve Brut

Champagne, France

Vinous 91, WS 90, W&S 90, Burghound 90

Philipponnat Champagne Royale Réserve Brut is the purest expression of the Philipponnat style. It is crafted as a blend of 65% Pinot Noir, 30% Chardonnay, and 5% Pinot Meunier. 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. 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.

Philipponnat Champagne Royale Réserve Brut is aged on the lees in the House’s cellars at a constant temperature of 12°C for three years, far longer than the legal minimum requirement of 15 months. It is deep gold in colour with amber glints. Delicate froth, lively and lingering. The first nose reveals vine blossom, linden and fresh, lightly toasted bread. After breathing, aromas of summer berries, citrus fruit and honey develop. Fine vinous attack on the palate, fruity (redcurrant, raspberry, ripe grape) and full-bodied, generous and long. Light notes of biscuit and freshly baked bread on the finish. Royale Réserve Brut will maintain its balance and liveliness for about two years stored in a cool dark cellar. It will then develop for a further five years at least towards greater complexity and roundness.

Enjoy Philipponnat Champagne Royale Réserve Brut as an aperitif, served chilled but not ice-cold (8°C). Enhances hot or cold white meats, poultry and premium charcuterie. An ideal complement to cold buffets, fish and seafood.