Champagne Philipponnat "Royale Reserve" Brut Rose NV
(Champagne, France) - [JS 94] [WS 93] [JD 92] [WE 92]

About the Domaine:
For almost five hundred years, the Philipponnat family has left its mark on the soil of the Champagne region. Generations have cultivated the land at Ay, the family's home since the time of Apvril le Philipponnat who owned vines at Le Léon, between Ay and Dizy, in 1522. In the 16th century, the family’s ancestors were winegrowers and merchants, suppliers to the court of Louis XIV, magistrates and Royal Mayors of Ay - a town which was directly dependent on the Crown since the era of the Counts of Champagne.

Philipponnat was the first Champagne House to indicate the main year used in its non-vintage blends, the dosage and the date of disgorgement on back labels, informing consumers and wine experts of the characteristics of each cuvée.

Tasting Notes:
Salmon pink in colour with coppery glints. The first nose reveals summer berries with notes of cherry and wild strawberry. Notes of citrus and grapefruit peel develop with time. The attack is elegant and pure. Full and ample on the palate, with good acidity and a light astringency that brings out the fruitiness.

Food Pairing:
As an aperitif, served chilled but not ice-cold (9°C). Enhances smoked fish and meats (ham, bacon) or pink meat (veal, lamb). An ideal complement to summer berry desserts, either served plain or as a soup.

Technical Information

The Blend:
75% Pinot Noir, 20% Chardonnay, 5% Pinot Meunier. First press juice of mainly Grand and Premier Crus grapes from the heart of the Champagne wine-growing area. Reserve wines (25 to 30% of the blend) are aged in wooden barrels using the solera system to incorporate older wines without losing freshness.

Vinification:
Vinified using traditional methods to avoid premature oxidation. Partial malolactic fermentation and some of the wines aged in casks to allow the aromas to develop complexity. Still red wine made from Pinot Noir grapes from Mareuil-sur-Ay and Riceys is obtained by maceration and 7 to 8% is added to obtain a delicately coloured rosé with a very definite fruity taste. Moderate brut dosage (9 g/litre) to maintain a balance between freshness, fruitiness and vinosity without masking the wine’s character and purity.

Ageing:
Aged on the lees in the House’s cellars at a constant temperature of 12°C for three years, far longer than the legal minimum requirement of 15 months.

Ratings & Reviews

94 Points – James Suckling:
"A freshness and drive to this with sliced strawberry and lime with some peach blossom undertones. Full-bodied with lovely creamy texture and a bright finish. Hints of cotton candy. Very polished and focused. From the 2019 vintage. 69% pinot noir, 29% chardonnay and 2% meunier. 27% reserve wine aged in barrel. Disgorged in January 2023. 9g/l dosage. Drink now." (Jul 2023)

93 Points – Wine Spectator:
"A graceful Champagne, with a chalky underpinning and lacy texture supporting ripe strawberry and raspberry fruit, star anise, apple blossom and salted almond notes. Lightly juicy and fresh through to the lingering finish. Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier. Disgorged March 2023. Drink now through 2028. 13,000 cases made, 200 cases imported." – Alison Napjus (Dec 2023)

92 Points – Jeb Dunnuck:
"Made from 73% Pinot Noir, 24% Chardonnay, and the rest Meunier, the NV Champagne Royale Reserve Brut Rosé is based on the 2018 vintage and has 9 grams per liter dosage. The nose is ripe and fleshy, with strawberry, cherry, and crushed roses. It is rounded and fluffy in its mousse, though it is dry, with raspberry, almond, and a silky texture on the finish. This is certainly a crowd pleaser to drink now or over the next ten years as an aperitif, on its own, or at the end of the night." – Audrey Frick (Nov 2022)

92 Points – Wine Enthusiast:
"Pinot Noir and Chardonnay come together in this ripe Champagne. Its red currant aroma and vibrant red and citrus fruit flavors give a wine that is full, and concentrated. Drink now." – Roger Voss (Dec 2024)