Champagne Philipponnat

Champagne Philipponnat

Philipponnat: Monopole Vineyard on the Marne

Philipponnat is a Maison from Mareuil-sur-Aÿ in the Vallée de la Marne, led by Charles Philipponnat. The family has been rooted in Champagne for over five centuries and farms vineyard plots in Aÿ (Grand Cru) and Mareuil-sur-Aÿ (Premier Cru).

The Philipponnat name today stands above all for one vineyard: Clos des Goisses, a walled monopole parcel in Mareuil that drops steeply toward the Marne, a hillside location unique in the region. The terroir is part of the UNESCO World Heritage site.

Vignoble & Soil

Philipponnat farms vineyard plots in Aÿ (Grand Cru) and Mareuil-sur-Aÿ (Premier Cru). The soils lie on the chalk formations typical of the Vallée de la Marne, which are part of the UNESCO-protected Champagne terroirs.

The Clos des Goisses is something special: a steep, walled single vineyard above the Marne, crossed by small staircases. The hillside location brings exceptional exposure and microclimate conditions.

Viticulture & Sustainability

The Maison describes its approach as viticulture exigeante, demanding vineyard management with a focus on grape ripeness and fruit concentration. Philipponnat sees sustainability as a natural part of their working methods, though specific certifications or measures are not publicly communicated.

Vinification

Philipponnat focuses on a Pinot Noir-driven style and considers itself an artisanal Maison in the traditional sense. Part of the reserve wines age in oak barrels, 39 percent for the Royale Réserve. Vinification uses exclusively the first pressing.

The philosophy can be described as enracinement: rootedness in the heart of Champagne, with clear focus on the identity of their own terroirs.

The Cuvées in Detail

Royale Réserve Brut

The base cuvée of the Maison, built on 65% Pinot Noir, plus 32% Chardonnay and 3% Meunier. Base 2020, 39% reserve wines from oak barrels, only first pressing. In the glass, yellow fruits, toasted hazelnut and a hint of smoke. On the palate, powerful and structured with a clear grip, a wine with backbone.

65% Pinot Noir, 32% Chardonnay, 3% Meunier · 8 g/l Dosage · Base 2020

Clos des Goisses

The prestige cuvée of the Maison from the walled monopole vineyard in Mareuil-sur-Aÿ. The parcel sits on a steep hillside with views over the Marne, an exposure unique in the region. The terroir is part of the UNESCO World Heritage site.

Monopole vineyard Mareuil-sur-Aÿ · UNESCO World Heritage terroir

My Tastings

  • Royale Réserve Brut (Base 2020), tasted June 7, 2025
    Disgorged March 2024. Yellow fruits, toasted hazelnut, hint of smoke. On the palate powerful, structured with grip, a wine with backbone.

Facts

Location Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, Vallée de la Marne
Cru Status Mareuil-sur-Aÿ Premier Cru, Aÿ Grand Cru
Management Charles Philipponnat
Address 13 rue du Pont, CS 60002, 51160 Aÿ-Champagne
Phone +33 (0)3 26 56 93 00
Email contact@philipponnat.com
Website philipponnat.com
Instagram @champagne_philipponnat (63,624 Followers)

Sources for this portrait: Maison website, personal tastings, CRM data and cross-checks. Fields without sufficient verification remain open.

Questions about this article?

I don't claim to be error-free, if you notice something or have a question, write it here.

Powered by The Champagne Guy

Newsletter

Tastings, straight to your inbox.

New tastings, grower portraits and honest notes. Irregular, never dull, unsubscribe anytime.

Tulip not Flute