Cuvée 1522 from Maison Philipponnat is a champagne that pays tribute to the year when the Philipponnat family took root in the village of Ay, in the heart of the Champagne region.
The year 2016 was characterized by a particularly pronounced climatic pendulum: a cool, wet spring, a dry, hot summer marked by a heatwave at the end of August, and a dry, sunny harvest that ensured the grapes ripened beautifully. These conditions benefited the Pinots Noirs, whose ripeness revealed intense fruit character and a silky texture. The Chardonnays, with their more classic allure, are chiselled.
This 2016 vintage is made up of 70% Pinot Noir, mainly from the historic "Léon" vineyards in Aÿ and Verzy, and 30% Chardonnay from Mesnil-sur-Oger.
Part of the wine is vinified under wood, without malolactic fermentation, to preserve tension and develop aromatic complexity.
Six years' ageing on lees magnify this cuvée while preserving its original freshness. After disgorging, the full-bodied, tangy wine is dosed at 4.25 g/L Extra-Brut.
This champagne has an intense, brilliant gold color.
The nose is expressive and greedy, with notes of red fruit, redcurrant jam and elderberry, combined with hints of pastry and toasted brioche.
The palate is elegant and creamy, with notes of red fruit, cherry and blackberry. The finish is long and fresh, with hints of menthol.
This cuvée 1522 Grand Cru 2016 is a perfect match for grilled or poached fish, thanks to its very dry character, but can also contrast with fatty poultry.
Opinion of thewine guides