The Story
The Royale Réserve Non Dosé is a subtle variation on the emblematic blend of the House of Philipponnat, combining crispness and vinosity.
Drawing on the historic tradition of Philipponnat in the region of Ay and Mareuil-sur-Ay, Royale Réserve takes advantage of the rich and powerful Pinot Noir grapes from the southern side of the Montagne de Reims, which always makes up the majority of the blend.
By not adding any sugar once the first ageing process is completed, Philipponnat offers a leaner and crisper expression of its flagship Royale Réserve. This wine will delight minerality-minded drinkers and will be a great companion from aperitif to sea-food.
Blend:
Pure cuvée (first pressing) of Pinot Noir (always the major part of the blend, 65%), of Chardonnay (30 %) and of Pinot Meunier (5%, always the smallest portion of the blend).
The Pinot Noir grapes come essentially from our own vineyards, located in Ay and Mareuil sur Ay. The Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier grapes come from the finest vineyards in the heart of the Champagne region. Reserve wines: 20 to 40%. These are blended again every year in a “solera” fashion in order to incorporate older wines without loosing freshness.
Wine making:
Traditional, avoiding any premature oxidation. Malo-lactic fermentation is most often chosen for wines processed in vats. For the past few years, a portion of the wines have been processed in barrels in order to obtain a discrete hint which adds to the complexity of the blend. These wines do not undergo malo-lactic fermentation. Dosage (0 grams/liter).
Ageing:
Around 3 years on the yeast, much longer than the 15 month legal minimum. All wines are given three months between disgorgement and shipping. Each bottle bears its disgorgement date on its back label.
Storing and service:
While deliciously fresh when young, the Royale Réserve Non Dosé ages well since its blending process is very similar to the blending of a vintage wine. Progressively, it will become more profound, and will age nicely for at least 5 years in a suitable cellar (cool and dark). Serve between 8-9°C.
Wine & Food Pairing:
Ideal as an aperitif before a good meal. It is especially enjoyable with Seafood and raw fish.
Vintage 2002
A cold winter and a mild late spring cued for a perfect June allowing early and fast flowering. Outstanding weather conditions prevailed and the season went on without dramatic turns. Rains in August raised concerns regarding gray rot, but finally sunshine and dry conditions throughout September resulted in an abundant crop of largely healthy fruit (11,930 kg/ha). Dehydration due to wind further aided in achieving perfect ripeness and additional concentration. This, and the cool nights, helped in retaining fresh acidity and, despite the ripeness (10.3% potential alcohol), the wines did not suffer from heaviness or a lack of life. A near-perfect vintage, which produced balanced Champagnes consistently around the region. The best show an impeccable combination of freshness, power, structure and finesse. However, some have matured aromatically quicker than expected and are already past their peak. 2002 produced an abundance of spectacular champagnes, such as Dom Pérignon (the entire range), Krug Vintage and Clos du Mesnil, Piper-Heidsieck Rare, Louis Roederer Cristal and Cristal Rosé, Ruinart Dom Ruinart and Dom Ruinart Rosé, Salon Le Mesnil and Taittinger Comtes de Champagne, to name a few.