PHILIPPONNAT Reserve Perpetuelle Brut NV

Philipponnat Réserve Perpétuelle Brut NV is the house’s flagship expression of its historic perpetual reserve, a living blend begun in 1946 that is refreshed each year with wines from the latest harvest and matured partly in large oak for extra texture and complexity. Based largely on Pinot Noir from premier and grand cru villages around Mareuil-sur-Ay, with Chardonnay and a dash of Meunier, it is first-press juice only, vinified traditionally in tank and barrel with partial malolactic and aged around three years on lees before a moderate 8 g/L dosage.

In the glass, it shows a fine, persistent mousse and a golden hue, with aromas of blossom, citrus, redcurrant and brioche, leading to a vinous yet fresh palate where ripe red fruits, biscuit and warm bread notes are carried by clean acidity and a savoury, chalky line.