Philipponnat winery
Philipponnat is a historic Champagne house located in the village of Mareuil-sur-Aÿ in the heart of the Champagne region of France. Established in 1522, it is one of the oldest family-run houses in the region, with a lineage that has been involved in viticulture for nearly five centuries. The Philipponnat family has remained closely linked to the land, passing down their expertise and passion for winemaking through generations, and maintaining a strong commitment to quality and tradition.
The house is particularly celebrated for its exceptional vineyard holdings, which include prestigious sites such as the Clos des Goisses, a unique, steeply sloped, south-facing vineyard that produces some of the most distinctive and sought-after champagnes in the world. The Clos des Goisses is notable for its chalky terroir and microclimate, which contribute to the power, complexity, and longevity of the wines produced from this plot. Philipponnat owns or manages about 20 hectares of vineyards, most of which are classified as Premier Cru or Grand Cru, ensuring access to high-quality grapes that form the backbone of their cuvées.
Philipponnat’s winemaking philosophy centers on expressing the character of their terroir while emphasizing precision and balance. Pinot Noir is the dominant grape in their blends, accounting for a significant proportion of their vineyards and providing structure, richness, and depth to their champagnes. Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier are also used to add finesse and roundness. The house is known for its use of traditional methods, including fermentation in oak barrels for certain cuvées and extended aging on the lees, which adds complexity and texture to the wines.
The range of champagnes produced by Philipponnat includes non-vintage blends, vintage cuvées, and single-vineyard expressions such as the iconic Clos des Goisses. Their Brut Réserve, Royale Réserve, and vintage bottlings are highly regarded for their elegance, freshness, and ability to age gracefully. The Clos des Goisses, in particular, is lauded for its intensity, minerality, and remarkable aging potential, often released after many years of maturation in the cellars.
Philipponnat is also committed to sustainable viticulture, employing environmentally friendly practices in the vineyards to preserve the health of the soils and biodiversity. The house carefully manages yields and harvests grapes at optimal ripeness to ensure the best possible expression of each site. Innovation is balanced with respect for tradition, as the team continually seeks to refine their techniques while honoring the heritage of the house.
Today, Philipponnat continues to be family-owned, with Charles Philipponnat at the helm, guiding the house with a focus on authenticity, excellence, and the pursuit of expressive, terroir-driven champagnes. The house’s wines are enjoyed by enthusiasts and collectors around the world, celebrated for their distinctive style, depth, and unwavering commitment to quality. Philipponnat remains a benchmark producer in Champagne, embodying the region’s rich history and dynamic future.