Philipponnat

History

The Philipponnat family has a rich history dating back to the Renaissance period. Founded by Apvril Le Philipponnat, who was granted vineyards by King Francis I of France in 1522, the family settled in the village of Aÿ, which is now a Grand Cru classified district. Over the centuries, the family cultivated their vineyards and developed a tradition of winemaking that would eventually lead to the establishment of the Champagne House Philipponnat.

In the 19th century, the actual winemaking business began, and by 1910, Auguste and Pierre Philipponnat acquired the former cellars of the Château de Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, marking the official founding of the Champagne House Philipponnat. The family later acquired the Clos des Goisses, a 5.5-hectare vineyard, in 1935, which produced the first single-vineyard Champagne under its own name. Charles Philipponnat, who has been managing the house since 2000, has continued the family's legacy of producing high-quality Champagnes.

Throughout its history, the Philipponnat family has remained committed to the land and traditions of Champagne, with 16 generations defining a lineage of talent, craftsmanship, and passion for winemaking. The family's dedication to quality and tradition has cemented their place as one of the true gems among Champagne houses.

Terroir

Philipponnat's terroir is primarily located in the prestigious villages of Ay, Mareuil-sur-Ay, and Avenay Val d’Or. The House focuses mostly on Pinot Noir, with vineyards situated in Grand Cru and Premier Cru sites. These vineyards are characterized by their deep-rooted relationship with the chalk-rich soil, which translates into grapes with remarkable depth, flavor complexity, and a sense of place. The terroir's unique chalky soils contribute to the wines' minerality and intensity, particularly in the Clos des Goisses vineyard, which is planted in pure chalk and has a steep 45-degree grade.

The Clos des Goisses, acquired by the Philipponnat family in 1935, is a 5.5-hectare parcel that faces due south and benefits from an exposure that ensures perfectly mature grapes. The underground chalk absorbs and preserves heat, further amplifying grape maturity. This terroir is also notable for its steep slope, which enhances the wine's intensity and minerality. Additionally, the use of customized organic and biodynamic practices by Philipponnat helps preserve the terroir's natural qualities, ensuring that the wines retain freshness and minerality while developing complexity over time[1][3][5].