🍾 Philipponnat Blanc de Blancs Ex Brut 2018 is a vintage Champagne made entirely from Chardonnay. Its first-press juice comes from Premier and Grand Cru plots in Avenay, Chouilly, Oger, Vertus and Trépail. This white Champagne offers a distinct way to explore Philipponnat, a house otherwise closely associated with Pinot Noir, through the character of Chardonnay from Champagne’s chalk terroirs.
The 2018 cuvée combines vat and barrel vinification. Wines produced in wooden barrels account for 38% of the blend and do not undergo malolactic fermentation; those in vats undergo it only partly. Six years of ageing on the lees develop the wine before release. An Extra Brut dosage of 4.25 grams per litre completes the balance of freshness and texture.
Its appearance is very pale gold, with fine bubbles. The producer describes citrus peel and elderflower, followed by pastry and fresh almond notes as the wine opens. The palate combines a fresh, creamy feel with citrus and citron, then a light liquorice accent. A persistent finish leaves a subtle saline impression.
🍽️ Serve Philipponnat Blanc de Blancs Ex Brut at the producer’s recommended 6–8°C as an aperitif, or 9–11°C with a meal. Pairing suggestions from the house include fish, prawns and lobster, poached or served with beurre blanc. A white-wine glass offers room to explore the aromatic changes. This 750ml bottle contains 12% alcohol and is a thoughtful choice for a seafood dinner or for someone who enjoys Chardonnay-based Champagne.
Key Details
- 🏭 Producer: Philipponnat
- 🍷 Style: White vintage Champagne, Blanc de Blancs, Extra Brut
- 🌍 Country / region / appellation: France / Champagne / Champagne AOC
- 📅 Vintage: 2018
- 🍇 Grapes: 100% Chardonnay
- 🍷 Vineyards: Premier and Grand Crus; Avenay, Chouilly, Oger, Vertus, Trépail
- 🎨 Colour: Very pale gold
- 🍷 Vinification: 38% in wood without malolactic fermentation; partial malolactic fermentation in vats
- 📅 Maturation: 6 years on lees
- 🍬 Dosage: 4.25 g/L
- 👃 Aroma: Citrus peel, elderflower, pastry, fresh almonds
- 👄 Taste / finish: Fresh and creamy; citrus, citron, light liquorice; persistent saline finish
- 🌡️ Serving: 6–8°C as an aperitif; 9–11°C with food
- 🍽️ Pairing: Fish, prawns, lobster; poached or with beurre blanc
- 📏 Volume: 750ml
- 🔥 Alcohol: 12%
