Champagne PHILIPPONNAT - 'Clos des Goisses' 2012

'The first clos and first terroir to be vinified and blended separately, Clos des Goisses is unique and instantly recognisable for its extremely steep slope. Its slope reaches 45°, hence the origin of its name: in the local dialect, “Goisses” means a very steep slope.'

• Wine Region: Champagne - France
• Grape: 61% Pinot Noir and 39% Chardonnay
  

VINIFICATION
The 5.83-hectare vineyard is one of the region’s few “clos” and the oldest and steepest in Champagne. In a perfect position facing due south, it stands on the best hillside in Mareuil-sur-Ay. It really is an exceptional terroir where the chalky bedrock is very close to the surface. Partial vinification (62%) in wooden barrels leads to more complexity without premature oxidation. There is no malolactic fermentation, which enables the wine’s natural acidity to compensate the powerful character of the terroir.

AGING
Lees aged for eight years in the bottle, also referred to as second fermentation or “prise de mousse”, at a constant temperature of 12°C in the House’s historic cellars in Mareuil-sur-Ay. The very low dosage (4.25 g/litre) gives full expression to the vinosity and minerality of this exceptional vineyard.

Tasting notes:
TO THE EYE -Bright gold, fine effervescence forming a persistent bead.
WHIT THE NOSE - Elegant and fruity with notes of raspberry and raspberry eau-de-vie. The finish is delicious with notes of praline, frangipane, sponge cake and pastry cream.
WITH THE MOUTH -The attack is fresh and pure. The mouth is very elegant and expresses slightly mentholated notes. The finish is long and mineral. Excellent vintage, more intense and aromatic than 2008. Slightly less acidic but probably more balanced.