Philipponnat's 2019 Blanc de Blancs is a cuvée of crystalline purity, made exclusively from grapes grown in the prestigious village of Mesnil-sur-Oger.
Made solely from the first pressing of Grand Cru-classified Chardonnays, this champagne expresses the chalky minerality of its terroir of origin with remarkable integrity. It is a wine that combines the characteristic mineral tension of Mesnil with the emblematic vinosity of the Philipponnat style, enhanced by extended aging that lends it a rare complexity. A wine that marries the chalk of the Côte des Blancs with the expertise of Charles Philipponnat, cellar master of the house based in Mareuil-sur-Aÿ.
The Production of Blanc de Blancs
This champagne is the result of a rigorous traditional winemaking process, designed to preserve the brilliance of the Chardonnay while giving it a generous structure.
A Work of Time and Precision
- Blend: 100% Chardonnay sourced exclusively from the village of Mesnil-sur-Oger (Grands Crus), renowned for its chalky soils.
- Vinification: Only the first press is used. Malolactic fermentation is carried out 100% to balance the natural liveliness of the Chardonnay.
- Aging: An exceptional six-year aging on lees in the cellar to bring out secondary and tertiary aromas.
- Dosage: Extra-Brut at 4.25 g/l, a technical choice that maintains the balance between freshness and vinosity without masking the wine’s purity.
The 2019 Vintage
The year 2019 went down in history as an exceptional vintage, though marked by stark climatic contrasts. Following a winter that alternated between mild and cool conditions, the summer saw record-breaking temperatures during two intense heat waves in June and July. These sunny conditions, combined with cool nights as harvest approached, allowed for exceptional ripening of the grapes. Harvested between September 11 and 21 in remarkable health, the musts revealed a harmonious balance between acidity and sugar, offering a rare aromatic concentration.
Tasting notes
Color
The color reveals pale gold highlights, accompanied by a fine, elegant effervescence.
Nose
The nose is delicate and floral. It opens with notesof hawthorn and acacia honey mingled with hintsof fresh almond. Upon aeration, subtle vanilla nuances emerge.
Palate
The attack is full-bodied and rich, driven by aromas of yellow stone fruits such as mirabelle plums. The structure is balanced by elegant citrus notes and extends into a salty finish with beautiful persistence.
Food Pairing Suggestions
- Poached jumbo shrimp
- Scallop carpaccio
- Lemon-flavored langoustine tartare
- Lobster with white butter sauce
- Turbot fillet in sauce
- Poached premium fish with herbs
- 18-month-aged Comté
- Fresh Chaource
- Thin citrus tart
Storage and serving recommendations
Aging potential
The 2019 Blanc de Blancs is built for aging and will continue to gain depth in a suitable cellar:
- 2026–2029: A phase of mineral purity, ideal for appreciating the tension of Mesnil-sur-Oger.
- 2030–2032: Development of honeyed and dried fruit notes.
- Beyond 2033: Evolution toward a more pronounced tertiary complexity, with toasted notes.
Serving Suggestions
As an aperitif, serve this champagne chilled, around 6 to 8°C. If pairing with a meal, serve at a temperature between 9 and 11°C to allow its full-bodied structure to fully express itself.
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