The Réserve Perpétuelle Brut cuvée from Philipponnat Champagne is the House's flagship cuvée. With each new harvest, it is enriched with a blend of reserve wines aged in oak barrels and casks. This perpetual cycle, which began in 1946, enhances this cuvée's unique character, blending the freshness of youth with the complexity and depth of past vintages.
The production of Philipponnat's Réserve Perpétuelle cuvée
A faithful reflection of the Philipponnat terroir and style, the Réserve Perpétuelle Brut cuvée is predominantly Pinot Noir. Thanks to its unique blend, the cuvée carries within it the memory of all the successive harvests, in a quest for constant balance between freshness and maturity.
Blend
- 65% Pinot Noir – the majority grape variety, providing structure and vinosity.
- 32% Chardonnay – bringing finesse, tension, and elegance.
- 3% Pinot Meunier – contributing roundness and fruity nuances.
Base vintage: 2020, supplemented by 39% reserve wines aged in wood for greater complexity and depth.
Vinification
- First pressing of grapes mainly from Grands and Premiers Crus around Mareuil-sur-Aÿ.
- Partially aged in oak barrels, 23% of the wines without malolactic fermentation to preserve tension.
- Aged on lees for at least 3 years in cellars at 11°C.
- Moderate dosage of 8 g/L to maintain the balance between freshness and vinosity.
Tasting
Color
Deep gold with amber highlights. Fine, rapid, and persistent mousse.
Nose
Initial notes of vine blossom, lime blossom, and lightly toasted fresh bread. After aeration: red fruits, citrus, and honey.
Palate
Beautifully vinous and fruity attack (redcurrant, raspberry, ripe grape). Full-bodied and long on the palate, with a finish of biscuit and warm bread.
Serving suggestions
- Thinly sliced Iberian ham
- Herb-flavored poultry terrine
- Mini puff pastries with mature cheese
- Roast poultry with morel mushrooms
- Roasted turbot fillet with asparagus
- Veal sweetbreads with truffles
- Cold lobster with light mayonnaise
- Seafood platter
- Gravlax salmon and citrus salad
Storage and serving tips
Store this champagne
Store horizontally in a cool, dark cellar. It retains its balance and liveliness for around two years after disgorging, then gains in complexity for at least another five years.
Aging potential
The Réserve Perpétuelle cuvée can be enjoyed young for its vibrant freshness, but it also has an aging potential of 7 to 10 years. With time, it will evolve towards more complex notes of honey, dried fruit, and sweet spices, while retaining its structure.
Serving temperature
Serve chilled but not ice-cold, ideally between 44°F and 48°F.
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