The Vintage Wine Club Hong Kong

From Guide to Wine, Bettane & Desseauve: 'Philipponnat has been one of my favorite Champagne sources for many years'

'Pierre-Jean Villa has established himself in a few years as one of the most gifted winegrowers of his generation, creating his domain by the strength of the wrist and especially the pick … PJV is now one of the greatest winegrowers in the northern Rhône.'

The Domaine is located in Cognocoli-Monticchi between Ajaccio and Propiano, in the Taravu valley in southern Corsica. The vineyard consists of 25 hectares of vines planted on hillsides on granite arenas in AOC Ajaccio.

The Vaccelli estate is very popular and is today one of the best estates in Corsica.

Muriel Giudicelli is from Corsica but grew up mostly outside of the island. She traveled back to the island frequently to stay with family during vacations.

Like many vignerons who aren’t born into a winemaking family, her path to wine came through university courses. 

Muriel took the unconventional route of training with small domaines all over France to learn the craft, while waiting for any good opportunities to arise in Patrimonio, in the north of Corsica. 

In 1996, she jumped on an opportunity: 5ha of terrific old vines in a great part of Patrimonio. From day one, she farmed organically. She obtained organic certification in 2006 and biodynamic certification in 2012. 

Muriel’s holdings (10ha) are all in the highly regarded Campo Gallo (“field of the rooster”) sub-region of Patrimonio, distinct due to its diverse pockets of green clay, red clay, granite, schist, and limestone. 

Today, Philipponnat produces approximately 500,000 bottles comprising a complete range recognized by the greatest connoisseurs. From the Brut Royale Reserve, the true ambassador of the House, to the vintage Cuvee du Clos des Goisses, these are rich and structured wines, with blends dominated by the Pinot Noir offered to lovers of fine wines. Also, the House has an exceptional collection of Old Vintage Champagnes quietly ageing on lees in cellars whose exact location is a closely guarded secret.