Two New Releases
Two New Vintages, One Remarkable Heritage
Some dates tell a story that extends far beyond a single year. The year 1522 marks the beginning of the Philipponnat family’s winemaking history in Champagne. By that time, Apvril le Philipponnat already owned vineyards between Ay and Dizy, in the historic plot known as Le Léon. Five centuries later, the family remains deeply rooted in these lands, and this historic vineyard continues to lie at the heart of a cuvée created to honour that heritage.
When Charles Philipponnat took over the management of the House in 2000, he sought to give this history a distinctive expression within the Champagne range. Cuvée 1522 was therefore conceived as an exceptional blend of Grands Crus, built around the terroir of Ay and Pinot Noir, the emblematic grape variety of Philipponnat.
At its heart lies the historic Le Léon vineyard. Located in Ay and facing due south, its chalk subsoil gives the Pinot Noir a distinctly mineral, almost spicy character. This powerful personality is complemented in the blend by Pinot Noir from other great terroirs of the Montagne de Reims, selected for their finesse and elegance, together with Chardonnay from the Côte des Blancs, chosen according to the particular character of each vintage.
This carefully considered composition gives Cuvée 1522 a very special place within the Philipponnat range. While Clos des Goisses expresses the absolute identity of a single vineyard, Cuvée 1522 celebrates the art of Champagne blending. Two complementary interpretations of great wine at Philipponnat: one rooted in a single vineyard, the other born from the meeting of several exceptional terroirs.
Cuvée 1522 is not necessarily produced every year. Above all, the grapes harvested from Le Léon, the enduring foundation of the blend, must display all the qualities expected of them. This uncompromising approach explains the cuvée’s exclusivity and the particular interest it inspires among sommeliers and discerning Champagne enthusiasts.
Cuvée 1522 Extra-Brut 2019
An Exceptional Balance of Generosity, Freshness and Precision
With this new vintage, Cuvée 1522 Extra-Brut reveals the distinctive character of the great Pinot Noir and Chardonnay terroirs that shape its blend. After six years of ageing on the lees, the wine displays a remarkable balance between aromatic richness and mineral tension.
On the nose, subtle iodised notes give way to aromas of blackcurrant and blackberry, followed by a delicate smoky touch. On the palate, black fruit and spice combine with a beautiful minerality, leading to a long, persistent finish. Generous yet precise, this vintage stands out for its freshness and elegance. At the table, it makes a wonderful accompaniment to seafood, poached or grilled fish, and poultry.
Vintage characteristics:
- Blend: 77% Pinot Noir and 23% Chardonnay.
- Grape origins: Pinot Noir from the historic Le Léon vineyard in Ay, Mailly and Verzy; Chardonnay from Le Mesnil-sur-Oger.
- Vinification: 20% of the wines vinified in oak barrels; malolactic fermentation prevented in 43% of the blend to preserve freshness and tension.
- Ageing: 6 years on the lees.
- Dosage: Extra-Brut, 4.25 g/l.
Cuvée 1522 Extra-Brut 2019 – Champagne Philipponnat
Cuvée 1522 Rosé Extra-Brut 2018
A Rich and Spicy Expression of the Ay Terroir
Cuvée 1522 Rosé Extra-Brut 2018 reveals a distinctive expression of Pinot Noir, where the richness of the fruit meets the mineral freshness of Champagne’s finest terroirs. After eight years of ageing on the lees, the wine has developed remarkable complexity and depth while retaining outstanding freshness.
Its delicate pink colour, enhanced by subtle copper reflections, precedes an expressive nose combining grapefruit, blood orange, pomegranate and strawberry. On the palate, generosity and vinous character are beautifully balanced by citrus freshness and a delicate hint of white pepper, leading to a saline, chalky finish.
A true gastronomic Champagne, this cuvée pairs particularly well with pink-roasted lamb, a combination especially appreciated by Charles Philipponnat, as well as with shellfish and crustaceans.
Vintage characteristics:
- Blend: 74% Pinot Noir and 26% Chardonnay, including 7.5% Pinot Noir vinified as red wine.
- Grape origins: Pinot Noir from the historic Le Léon vineyard in Ay, complemented by grapes from Mareuil-sur-Ay vinified as red wine; Chardonnay from Oger.
- Vinification: A proportion of the wines fermented in oak barrels; malolactic fermentation prevented in 67% of the blend.
- Ageing: 8 years on the lees.
- Dosage: Extra-Brut, 4.25 g/l.
- Production: Limited edition of 4,128 bottles.
Two vintages, two interpretations of the same heritage: that of an exceptional blend looking towards the future while remaining deeply faithful to its origins.
