Founded in Mareuil-sur-Aÿ and heir to a winemaking tradition dating back more than five centuries, Champagne Philipponnat is renowned for its refined and exacting interpretation of Pinot Noir. The great terroirs of Aÿ, Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, and the Montagne de Reims form the foundation of its identity, giving rise to champagnes that combine power, depth, and precision. With the Blanc de Noirs 2020, the house presents a cuvée produced exclusively in the highest-quality vintages—a true tribute to the grape variety that has shaped its history.
Made exclusively from Pinot Noir grapes sourced from Premier and Grand Cru vineyards—notably those of Mareuil-sur-Aÿ and Mailly—this 2022 vintage accurately captures the sunny character of the year. Despite extreme weather conditions, marked by exceptional drought and early ripening, the grapes achieved remarkable concentration while retaining the freshness essential to the wine’s balance.
The nose is intense, complex, and particularly expressive. Initial notes evoke fresh blackberries and crisp black fruits, quickly enriched by spicier nuances of black pepper, sandalwood, and delicate vanilla. As the wine breathes, subtle smoky hints and a light pastry-like quality emerge, reflecting the quality of the oak aging. On the palate, the attack captivates with its immediate freshness—almost unexpected given the vintage’s natural richness. The body is full, vinous, and structured, true to the great Pinot Noirs of the Montagne de Reims. Flavors of crisp mango, exotic fruits, and lime add depth and energy, while a precise mineral backbone perfectly balances the wine’s density. The partial absence of malolactic fermentation helps preserve this tension that runs throughout the tasting experience.
The long aging on lees, combined with an Extra-Brut dosage of 4.25 g/L, refines the texture and gradually reveals more complex nuances without ever altering the purity of the fruit. The long, elegant finish lingers with noble bitter notes reminiscent of anise seed, lending depth and persistence to the whole.
This 2020 Blanc de Noirs perfectly exemplifies the Philipponnat style: a Champagne with character, where the power of Pinot Noir is expressed with mastery, supported by remarkable freshness and great aromatic precision. Equally at home as an aperitif or with a meal, it pairs beautifully with a game terrine, pan-seared foie gras, poultry with dried fruits, or a chicken tagine with apricots and almonds.
