Philipponnat — Monopole Site 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 cultivates vineyards in Aÿ and Mareuil-sur-Aÿ – both classified Grand Cru.
The Philipponnat name today stands above all for one site: Clos des Goisses, a walled monopole parcel in Mareuil that drops steeply toward the Marne – a slope position unique in the region. The terroir is part of the UNESCO World Heritage.
Vignoble & Soil
Philipponnat cultivates vineyards in Aÿ and Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, both Grand Cru. The soils rest on the chalk formations typical of the Vallée de la Marne, which are among the UNESCO-protected Champagne terroirs.
The Clos des Goisses is something special: a steep, wall-enclosed single vineyard above the Marne, crossed by small staircases. The slope position brings exceptional exposure and microclimate conditions.
Viticulture & Sustainability
The Maison describes their approach as viticulture exigeante – demanding cultivation with focus on grape ripeness and fruit concentration. Philipponnat understands sustainability as a natural part of their working method, though specific certifications or measures are not publicly communicated.
Vinification
Philipponnat pursues a Pinot Noir-driven style and sees itself as an artisanally working Maison in the traditional sense. Part of the reserve wines age in oak barrels – in the Royale Réserve it's 39 percent from barrel. Vinification uses exclusively the first pressing.
The philosophy can be described as enracinement: rootedness in the heart of Champagne, with clear concentration on the identity of their own terroirs.
The Cuvées in Detail
Royale Réserve Brut
The base cuvée of the Maison, carried by 65% Pinot Noir, plus 32% Chardonnay and 3% Meunier. Base 2020, 39% reserve wines from oak barrel, first pressing only. In the glass yellow fruits, toasted hazelnut and a hint of smoke. On the palate powerful and structured with distinct 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 site in Mareuil-sur-Aÿ. The parcel lies on a steep slope with views over the Marne – an exposure unique in the region. The terroir is part of the UNESCO World Heritage.
Monopole site 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
Das hab ich noch nie gemacht – aber diesmal hat’s einfach zu gut gepasst: Meine Frau mir auf Instagram ein Rezept von @loredanachantal geschickt und…
| Location | Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, Vallée de la Marne |
| Cru Status | Grand Cru |
| Management | Charles Philipponnat |
| Address | 13 rue du Pont, CS 60002, 51160 Aÿ-Champagne |
| Phone | +33 (0)3 26 56 93 00 |
| contact@philipponnat.com | |
| Website | philipponnat.com |
| @champagne_philipponnat (63.624 Followers) |
Sources for this portrait: Maison website, personal tastings, CRM data and cross-checks. Fields without sufficient verification remain open.