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Wine Description
The Story
Grand Blanc, blended exclusively from Chardonnay grapes, is a remarkable exception in Philipponnat’s range of wines, the House’s hallmark being the Pinot Noir grape. This is a unique opportunity to discover another facet oftheHouse’sstyleintheshapeofafine,mode- rately dosed blanc de blancs.
100% Chardonnay from Côte des Blancs, Montagne de Reims and Clos des Goisses. First press juice from exclusively Premier and Grand Cru plots.
vinification
Vinified using traditional methods to avoid premature oxidation. Partial malolactic fermentation for the wines in vats and vinification without malolactic fermentation for the wines in wooden barrels. An elegant wine that preserves a balance between freshness, floral aromas and vinosity. « Extra-brut » dosage (4.25 g/litre) to preserve its original purity and distinction.
aging
Aged for at least five to seven years to develop maximum complexity and to highlight the secondary and tertiary aromas which are the hallmark of extended aging on lees.
Wine Information
A particularly mild winter followed by a warm spring led to a year marked by early development. Nature was extremely generous, offe- ring us a very fine harvest from 29 August to 17 September. This 2007 vintage has excellent aging potential.
Vintage 2007
An unusually warm spring led to early flowering and initial optimism, which soon gave way to disappointment following one of the murkiest summers on record. Overall, 2007 was a difficult vintage saved by last-minute sunshine in late-August. Mildew and rot were the main culprits of the harvest, and the level of gluconic acid rocketed. The harvest began early, on August 24th, and was abundant in volume averaging 14,242 kg/ha. Pinot Meunier posed the biggest problems and Chardonnay clearly outperformed the rest. Many of the iconic prestige cuvée blanc de blancs were successfully produced, such as Taittinger Comtes de Champagne, Ruinart Dom Ruinart, Billecart-Salmon Cuvée Louis and Salon Le Mesnil. Some blended prestige cuvées such as Louis Roederer Cristal and Philipponnat Clos des Goisses were also made. Champagnes from 2007 are typically high in acidity and restrainedly classic in style, but lack the spine and strength of the greatest harvest years. Even if the vintage only receives three stars, its best Chardonnays are well worth seeking and storing.
