Lot presentation

Mareuil-Sur-Ay 1er Cru Extra-Brut Philipponnat 2014

The wine

This famous Champagne house grows its own vines, stretching across 17 hectares, but also buys grapes from its partner winegrowers, in accordance with strict product specifications to ensure a high-quality raw-material. Nestled for more than 5 centuries in Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, the Champagne house is an historical figure of the region, producing rare and powerful champagnes. In the cellar, half of the Pinot Noir grapes are vinified in stainless steel vats and the other half in wood barrels to limit premature oxidation. Malolactic fermentation is carried out in stainless steel vats to gently round out the wine. After a long maturation period on fine lees, the bottles are aged for seven years in the splendid cellars of the property to develop all their intense aromas.
A golden colour with light bubbles unveils an expressive and intense nose, marked by aromas of citrus fruits and ripened fruits along with subtle smokey notes and hints of hazelnut. On the palate, the fruity aromas are perfectly balanced with a supple tannic structure leading to a fresh and flavourful finish.

About the Producer Champagne Philipponnat

Maison Philipponnat traces its roots back to the 16th century, when Apvril Philipponnat was awarded land in Aÿ for fighting in François I’s army at the Battle of Marignan. From that point on, the House developed, and its Champagnes found their way to the tables of princes and even King Louis XIV. Maison Philipponnat as such was founded in Mareuil-sur-Aÿ in 1910, in the former 18th-century cellars of the Château de Mareuil. In 1935, the family acquired Clos des Goisses, a renowned parcel which now produces one of the house's most-well known cuvées.
Today, the vines spread over 20 hectares in Aÿ, Avenay-Val-d’Or, Mareuil-sur-Aÿ and Mutigny, and the House sources additional grapes from selected demanding winegrowers. The House joined the Boizel Chanoine Champagne group in 1997, but the Philipponnat family is still very much present, alongside Charles Philipponnat and today his son François.
In the vineyard, viticultural methods are as natural and respectful of the terroir as possible (no insecticides, grass left between vines). The estate has worked hard to get certificates confirming their commitment to sustainable viticulture. And in the winery, one of the unique techniques used is to preserve reserve wines in solera in oak casks. A medium-sized house producing top end, truly recommended Champagnes.