Maison Philipponnat’s 2020 Blanc de Noirs Extra-Brut is a masterful demonstration of the House’s expertise in blending and vinifying Pinot Noir.
Hailing from the prestigious "solar trilogy" (2018-2019-2020), this single-vineyard champagne captures the essence of a vintage of exceptional ripeness.
It is a wine of character, combining intense aromatic power with the refined freshness and purity that are the hallmark of the great terroirs of the Montagne de Reims.
The production of the Blanc de Noirs 2020
Philipponnat uses exclusively the first press of the grapes to ensure absolute finesse and a remarkable vinous structure.
Technical Details and Terroir
- Blend: 100% Pinot Noir sourced exclusively from Premier and Grand Cru vineyards.
- Origin: Rigorous selection of iconic terroirs from the Montagne de Reims: Mailly, Ambonnay, Verzenay, and Mareuil-sur-Ay.
- Vinification: Traditional method to prevent premature oxidation. To preserve optimal tension, 39.7% of the wines are vinified in oak and in tanks without malolactic fermentation.
- Aging: A prolonged rest of 5 years in the cellar on the lees to encourage the development of secondary and tertiary aromas.
- Dosage: Extra-Brut (4.25 g/l), a minimalist dosage that highlights the natural balance between vinosity and freshness.
The 2020 Vintage: A Historic Sunny Year
The year 2020 will be remembered as the driest summer on record. Following a rainy winter that boosted water reserves, the growing season experienced a dramatic acceleration. The harvest, which began on August 24 at Philipponnat, was one of the earliest in history. This extreme concentration, resulting from a severe drought, allowed for an average natural alcohol content of 11.2%, giving the wine exceptional depth and physiological maturity.
Tasting Notes for Philipponnat Blanc de Noirs 2020
Color
The color is a beautiful, bright light gold, enlivened by a very fine effervescence.
Nose
The nose is both intense and fresh. It opens with aromas of black fruit (blackcurrant). With aeration, it gains complexity with spicy notes of pepper and sandalwood, finishing with a delicate touch of vanilla.
Palate
The attack is lively and fresh. The palate reveals a rich texture with flavors of exotic fruits (mango, lime). The finish is long, elegant, and refined, marked by noble bitter notes reminiscent of anise seed.
Food Pairing Suggestions
- Spiced semi-cooked foie gras
- Game bird terrines
- Beef carpaccio with Parmesan
- Chicken tagine with apricots and almonds
- Duck Fillet with Red Berries
- Risotto with wild mushrooms
- 18-month-aged Comté
- Chaource (regional specialty)
- Extra-aged Mimolette
Storage and Serving Recommendations
Aging potential
Already fully developed thanks to five years of aging, this vintage has a structure built to last:
- 2025–2030: At its peak, the wine expresses a balance between fruit and spicy complexity.
- Beyond: Evolution toward deeper tertiary notes of honey and roasted aromas.
Serving recommendations
As an aperitif, serve this champagne between 8°C and 9°C to highlight its crispness. With a meal, a temperature of 10°C to 12°C is preferable to allow its vinous character and aromatic structure to fully express themselves.
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