Champagne PHILIPPONNAT - Clos des Goisses 2013

'From the Champagne region’s most exceptional hillside vineyard'

The first clos and first terroir to be vinified and blendedseparately, 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: 85% Pinot Noir and 15% Chardonnay
  

VINIFICATION
The 5.83 hectare vineyard protected by walls 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 (47%) 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 - Deep, bright gold with good effervescence
WHIT THE NOSE - Elegant and floral with notes of elderflower leading into intense aromas of redcurrant and red fruit, and ending with pleasant, toasted notes.
WITH THE MOUTH -The palate is at once rich and mineral, presenting notes of blackberry and small red fruit. The long, fresh, and elegant finish is typical of the vintage.