The 2018 Grand Blanc cuvée from Champagne Philipponnat is an exceptional Blanc de Blancs, rare for a house whose historical signature is Pinot Noir. Here, Chardonnay reigns supreme, expressing itself with crystalline finesse, a creamy texture, and perfectly controlled tension. Presented in a bottle with a case, this vintage cuvée offers an airy, luminous style that is ideal for special occasions.
The production of Philipponnat Grand Blanc 2018 Champagne
The Grand Blanc 2018 cuvée is made exclusively from Chardonnay grapes from iconic villages in the Côte des Blancs and Montagne de Reims. The aim is to craft a precise, refined and subtle Blanc de Blancs that is faithful to the elegance of the vintage and the Philipponnat vision.
- 100% Chardonnay, first pressing exclusively from Premiers and Grands Crus.
The terroir
The Chardonnay comes from Avenay, Chouilly, Oger, Vertus, and Trépail, terroirs renowned for their pure chalk and mineral expression. These villages bring tension, depth, maturity, and aromatic brilliance. This mosaic of crus offers a remarkable balance between saline freshness, floral elegance, and chalky finesse.
Vinification
Vinification is traditional, designed to preserve the purity and aromatic precision of Chardonnay. Partial malolactic fermentation is carried out on wines aged in vats, while wines aged in wood (38%) do not undergo malolactic fermentation in order to retain their tension. The Extra Brut dosage (4.25 g/L) highlights the natural freshness of the vintage without masking its expression. The wine is then aged for 7 to 9 years on lees, developing complexity, texture, and depth.
The 2018 vintage
The 2018 vintage is recognized in Champagne as a generous, sunny, and perfectly balanced vintage. The Chardonnays reached remarkable maturity while retaining a chalky energy. In 2018, Grand Blanc gained in amplitude, aromatic richness, and finesse, while retaining a remarkable freshness of structure.
Tasting notes
Color
Very pale gold, with fine, regular bubbles. A luminous color that promises finesse and purity.
Nose
Delicate and refined: citrus peel, elderflower, then, after aeration, pastry notes, fresh almond and a touch of chalk.
Palate
Fresh attack, creamy texture. Aromas of citrus, candied citron, and a hint of licorice. A lingering finish marked by a subtle hint of iodine and magnificent length.
Serving suggestions
An ideal Blanc de Blancs for refined moments. Its tension and delicacy make it a perfect companion for iodized dishes and fine textures.
- Fine oysters from the Claire
- Lemon sea bream tartare
- Delicate gougères
- Poached lobster with beurre blanc
- Seared wild shrimp
- Roasted turbot with champagne sauce
- Poached pear
- Candied lemon and light meringue
- Almond shortbread and fresh citrus fruits
Storage and serving
How to store this vintage
Store the Grand Blanc 2018 vintage at 10–12°C, in a dark, stable cellar with 70% humidity. Thanks to its long aging on lees, it will continue to evolve harmoniously towards more brioche and floral notes.
Ageing potential
Optimal window: 2024–2034. In its early years, it expresses freshness and citrus notes. Between 2027 and 2032, it gains a creamy texture and pastry aromas. At full maturity, it reveals an elegant complexity, at once salty, floral, and persistent.
How to serve Grand Blanc 2018?
We recommend serving Grand Blanc 2018 at 44–46°F as an aperitif, or 50–52°F with food. A thin tulip glass will best express its aromatic finesse and chalky energy.
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