Philipponnat is first and foremost the home of Pinot Noir and its vineyards are located in the main area of the varietal: Mareuil-sur-Ay, Avenay, and Mutigny. The history of Philipponnat winemaking in the region dates back to the 16th century, with the family being involved in viticulture and trade, supplying wine to the court of Louis XIV. Philipponnat uses the solera system in the cellar for part of its wines. This progressive blending allows the Champagne to retain traces of the wines of yesteryear.
Royale Reserve Non Dose expresses the quality of the non-vintage blends without artifice. The total absence of sugar in this cuvée reveals all the qualities which are characteristic of this wine and offers a subtle combination of aromatic precision (citrus notes, orange zest), minerality and vinosity. This is a wonderfully fresh aperitif wine which is also a perfect match for raw fish and seafood and enhances Japanese cuisine. The Non Dose Royale Reserve is vinified in oak with partial malo.
Philipponnat stands as a pioneer among Champagne Houses by providing consumers and wine connoisseurs with valuable information on the back labels of their non-vintage blends. They were the first to disclose the primary vintage year utilized, the dosage, and the disgorgement date, thereby offering insights into the unique characteristics of each cuvée. With a rich legacy spanning nearly five centuries, the Philipponnat family has made an indelible mark on Champagne's terroir. Their 20 hectares of vineyards, strategically located in Ay, Mareuil-sur-Ay, and Avenay, encompass Premier and Grand Cru designations. A steadfast commitment to preserving these ancient and delicate terroirs is evident in their natural farming methods, which include manual soil cultivation and horse-drawn plowing. By embracing tradition while continually striving for excellence, Philipponnat has found the optimal approach to sustaining its heritage. A notable testament to Philipponnat's expertise lies in their utilization of the solera process. This enduring tradition involves the preservation of reserve wines in oak barrels, with a significant portion (ranging from one-quarter to one-third) being incorporated into non-vintage blends. This blended reserve wine then plays a pivotal role in the subsequent cuvée. This gradual dilution process ensures that every bottle carries a trace of wines from past years, tracing back to the very inception of this practice. Successive Cellar Masters have placed paramount importance on passing down this cherished expertise, enriching Philipponnat's legacy with each generation.