Champagne Philipponnat is best known for the long aging of its bottles in the cellars. While the books do specify a minimum aging period, the Philipponnat family always goes the extra mile. A bottle is only removed from the cellar when it's in peak condition, they say. Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Meunier grapes are used for this Royale Réserve Brut, all grown in a perfect climate. After the long aging process, each bunch is harvested by hand to ensure purity and potency. Each grape variety is harvested separately, after which the blend for this Royale Réserve Brut is selected. This is a precise job, requiring considerable experience and patience from the winemaker. Fresh wines and reserve wines are combined, after which the bottle is cellared for at least three years. It gradually develops a beautiful, soft mousse and considerable power.
They call this Royale Réserve Brut the basic Champagne of Philipponnat. Well, we can't really call this champagne that. It's certainly Royal, but definitely not basic! What a classic, top-notch champagne. Upon opening the cork, we smell the power of the Pinot Noir grape, and it gives us plenty of toast and yellow fruit. Pouring this Philipponnat Champagne reveals a golden-yellow color with very soft bubbles rising from the bottom to the top. That's one of the hallmarks of this Champagne. Nosing the glass, we smell nuances of toasted bread, a pleasant smoky aroma, a hint of tobacco, and some nuts. The taste of this Philipponnat Royale Réserve Brut is refined, leaving the palate with plenty of freshness from citrus fruit and grapefruit. At the back of the throat and on the tongue, the power of this Champagne begins: apple, pear, and lime, complemented by notes of toast, roasted nuts, and vanilla.
