Philipponnat's Clos des Goisses 2015 is a legendary wine, produced from the steepest and sunniest vineyard in the region. Presented in a sumptuous box, this single-vineyard vintage embodies the power and absolute minerality of a terroir that is unique in the world. Shaped by a sunny and dry 2015, this great Champagne wine is distinguished by its rare aromatic concentration and phenomenal aging potential. It is an exceptional bottle, intended for lovers of full-bodied and racy wines, capable of rivaling the world's greatest whites.
The production of Philipponnat's 2015 Clos des Goisses champagne
The blend of this 2015 vintage is dominated by Pinot Noir ( 78%), complemented by 22% Chardonnay. This high proportion of black grapes gives the wine its structure and power, while the Chardonnay brings an essential finesse to the overall balance. Production that year was limited to just 18, 285 bottles, underscoring the exclusive and confidential nature of this harvest. Each stage of the production process aims to respect the strong identity of the raw material, harvested at full maturity.
The Terroir
Clos des Goisses is a 5.83-hectare enclosed vineyard located in the commune of Mareuil-sur-Ay, renowned for being the oldest and steepest in the entire Champagne region. Its name comes from the local dialect "Gois," meaning a very steep slope, which is confirmed by an incline of up to 45 degrees. Facing south, this hillside enjoys maximum sunshine, guaranteeing exceptional ripeness, while its pure chalk soil ensures perfect water regulation and a salty minerality.
Vinification
Some of the wines are vinified in wood, a method that brings aromatic complexity without causing premature oxidation. For this powerful vintage, the House made the radical choice not to carry out malolactic fermentation, so that the natural acidity would compensate for the richness of the terroir and preserve the wine's tension. The dosage is Extra-Brut, reduced to 4.25 g/l, allowing for a pure and unadulterated expression of the chalky minerality of the Clos. Aging on lees lasts eight years in the House's historic cellars at a constant temperature of 54°F.
The 2015 vintage
The year 2015 stands out as an exceptional vintage, marked by unusual weather conditions that deviated from the norm. After a cool spring, the summer was the driest in decades, accompanied by record sunshine, putting the vines under water stress until the beginning of September. These extreme conditions on the south-facing slopes of Mareuil-sur-Ay resulted in low to moderate yields, ensuring optimal concentration of the berries. The grapes reached high potential alcohol levels of between 11 and 12%, offering rich, ripe fruit harvested in perfect condition.
Tasting notes
Color
The color of the "Clos des Goisses 2015" cuvée is a bright, luminous gold, reflecting the richness and maturity of the vintage.
Nose
The nose offers an expressive attack with floral notes of elderflower and wild rose. With aeration, the bouquet gains complexity, revealing aromas of ripe citrus fruits and a hint of spicy vanilla.
Palate
On the palate, this champagne displays an elegant and perfectly balanced texture, dominated by flavors of Valencia orange and citron. The finish is remarkably persistent and fresh, with notes of white peach.
Serving suggestions
- Osciètre caviar
- Black truffle toasts
- Shavings of aged Parmesan cheese
- Roasted blue lobster
- Monkfish with saffron
- Braised sweetbreads
- Truffled Brie de Meaux
- 36-month aged Comté
- Matured Langres
Storage and serving recommendations
How should this champagne be stored?
Le Clos des Goisses is a wine with a very long shelf life. Store it horizontally in a cool environment (40-54°F) away from vibrations. Its protective box provides an additional barrier against light, but total darkness in the cellar remains ideal for preserving its potential. Humidity must be controlled to maintain the elasticity of the cork over the long term.
Aging potential
Already aged for eight years in the cellar before release, this 2015 vintage has a structure made to stand the test of time. From 2035 onwards, it will have developed a complex aromatic patina, but its life expectancy goes far beyond that. It can be stored beautifully for several decades, until 2045 or even 2050, under good storage conditions.
Serving suggestions
This exceptional wine should be treated like a great white wine. It is strongly recommended to decant it before serving to allow it to open up and express its full complexity. Serve it at room temperature, around 62°F to 54°F, in large wine glasses to appreciate its vinosity.
Anecdote about this cuvée
Clos des Goisses is not just a vineyard, it is a challenge to viticulture. With its 45-degree slope, it is impossible to use conventional mechanical equipment; all the work must be done by hand. Historically, it was the very first "Clos" in Champagne to be vinified and bottled separately, long before the trend for single vineyard cuvées, affirming from the outset the pioneering vision of Maison Philipponnat on the identity of terroirs.
