Philipponnat's Réserve Perpétuelle cuvée, presented here in a Magnum bottle and elegant case, embodies the quintessence of the House's style. More than just a brut champagne, it is a masterful demonstration of the art of blending, based on a unique collection of reserve wines dating back to 1946. Dominated by Pinot Noir and partially aged in wood, this cuvée offers a vinosity and complexity rare for a non-vintage wine. This large format, ideal for aging and serving, enhances the freshness and patina of this gastronomic champagne.
The production of Philipponnat's Réserve Perpétuelle
The blend of this cuvée is marked by a strong predominance of Pinot Noir (65%), the House's signature grape variety, complemented by 32% Chardonnay for finesse and 3% Pinot Meunier. The absolute uniqueness of this champagne lies in the massive use of reserve wines, representing about one-third of the final blend. These wines are not simply wines from the previous year, but come from the House's "Perpetual Reserve": a solera system stored in oak casks and renewed each year. This method combines the freshness of the recent harvest with the complexity of previous years, creating a wine with a long memory.
The Terroir
The grapes come mainly from the historic heart of Champagne, with a majority of Grands Crus and Premiers Crus located in the commune of Mareuil-sur-Ay. This terroir, a link between the Montagne de Reims and the Vallée de la Marne, is renowned for its deep limestone soils and privileged sun exposure. It gives the Pinot Noir a structured power and chalky minerality that form the backbone of this cuvée.
Vinification
Philipponnat favors traditional vinification using only the first pressing, the "cœur de cuvée," to guarantee the purity of the juice. A significant portion of the wines (nearly 40%) is aged in oak barrels, a house signature that brings richness and complexity without heavy woodiness thanks to the absence of premature oxidation. To preserve the liveliness necessary for prolonged aging, some of the wines do not undergo malolactic fermentation. The dosage is precisely adjusted to 8 g/l, a perfect balance to maintain the wine's freshness and fullness. Aging on lees in cellars lasts at least three years, well beyond the legal requirements.
The advantages of the Magnum
The Magnum (1.5 liters) is considered by experts to be the ideal bottle for champagne. Containing the equivalent of two bottles, it offers a much more favorable wine volume/air exchange surface ratio, which significantly slows down oxidation. In this format, the Réserve Perpétuelle gains in brilliance and harmony, developing a creamier texture and superior aromatic freshness. It is also the ultimate format for conviviality, protected here by its refined case, perfect for large gatherings or exceptional gifts.
Tasting the cuvée
Color
The color is a deep gold, enlivened by amber highlights characteristic of aging in wood and the presence of Pinot Noir. The effervescence is fine, rapid, and persistent.
Nose
The initial nose evokes vine blossom and lime blossom, supported by a touch of fresh toast. With aeration, the bouquet blossoms with delicious notes of red fruit, citrus and acacia honey.
Palate
The attack is vinous and full-bodied. The palate reveals a full-bodied and fruity texture, dominated by redcurrant, raspberry, and ripe grape. The long and structured finish leaves a savory impression of biscuit and warm bread.
Serving suggestions
- Pâté en croûte
- Duck rillettes
- Reims ham
- Poularde with cream sauce
- Veal with mushrooms
- Truffled white sausage
- Raspberry tart
- Pink cookies
- Red fruit crumble
Storage and serving tips
How should this champagne be stored?
Thanks to its Magnum size and protective case, this champagne is well equipped for excellent storage. Store it lying down in a cool (10-12°C), dark cellar free from vibrations. The large volume of the bottle guarantees slow and consistent development, superior to that of a standard bottle.
Aging potential
La Réserve Perpétuelle is delivered at maturity, ready to offer its balance between freshness and vinosity. However, in Magnum format, it has increased aging potential. It will retain its liveliness for at least two years after purchase, then evolve towards greater roundness and complexity (spicy notes, dried fruit) over the following 5 to 8 years, i.e. until around 2032-2035.
Serving suggestions
As an aperitif, serve this magnum chilled but not ice-cold, at around 46°F. If you are enjoying it with poultry or white meat, allow the temperature to rise to 58-60°F to release the full vinosity of the Pinot Noir.
Anecdote about this cuvée
The concept of "Perpetual Reserve" at Philipponnat is not just a marketing ploy, it is a physical historical legacy. The House keeps a reserve of wines dating back to 1946 in oak casks. Each year, part of this old reserve is taken for blending and replaced with wines from the new harvest, creating an infinite cycle where the memory of past vintages educates the vigor of young wines.
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