Description
Passing the base of Clos des Goisses every day, Pierre Philipponnat saw the potential of this unique terroir, which had been practically abandoned since the phylloxera crisis, World War I and the Great Depression of the 1930s. And so he acquired it in 1935, ignoring the friendly advice of his fellow merchants to stick to blending, and went on to create the Champagne region’s first ‘mono-cru’, or cuvée parcellaire as it would be called today. The grapes’ intense ripeness is a direct result of long sun exposure on chalky soil. The mineral tension of the chalk, which is almost flush with the surface of this heavily eroded hillside, balances out the maturity of the fruit. Vinified mainly in wooden barrels without malolactic fermentation, aged for nine to eleven years in the cellar and with a low dosage (4 g/l), this always-vintage Champagne is impressive for its depth and exceptional persistence in the mouth.
Tasting Notes :
Clos de Goisses reveals beautiful golden color with a lovely, persistent ring of bubbles, initially the nose is very fresh and expressive, presenting notes of yellow fruit, mirabelle plum and greengage. On being left to breathe, floral notes appear: vine and acacia blossom. The finish has a slightly roasted character. The palate is fruit-driven and intense, with an enveloping texture, notes of fresh fruit, honey and linden. The finish displays taut minerality and pleasant salinity.
