Viniou Reviews
Philipponnat Brut 2019 is a distinguished sparkling wine hailing from the Champagne region of France, specifically crafted under the prestigious Champagne AOC. This Blanc is typically composed of the classic Champagne varietals—predominantly Pinot Noir, often complemented by Chardonnay and a touch of Pinot Meunier, though Philipponnat is especially renowned for its Pinot Noir-driven cuvées. The 2019 vintage benefited from an ideal growing season, combining freshness with powerful fruit expression. The wine undergoes traditional méthode champenoise vinification, involving secondary fermentation in bottle and extended lees ageing, contributing to its signature elegance and complexity. As a Brut, the residual sugar is kept low to highlight the purity and minerality of the fruit.
Champagne itself is a region steeped in history, situated in northeastern France. The cool, continental climate coupled with the region’s chalky limestone soils—particularly in areas surrounding Reims and Épernay—offers the perfect conditions for growing grapes yielding exceptional acidity and finesse. This terroir, combined with centuries of winemaking expertise, is what makes Champagne world-renowned for its refined sparkling wines. The history of the region is intimately tied to royalty and celebration, further accentuating the luxurious aura of a house like Philipponnat, whose lineage in winemaking dates back to the 16th century.
For food pairings, the Philipponnat Brut 2019’s crispness and subtle biscuity undertones call for elegant yet flavourful dishes. Seafood such as oysters, scallop carpaccio or king prawns pairs beautifully, as does sushi and sashimi, where the wine's acidity slices through the texture and richness of the fish. If you prefer regional specialities, consider serving it alongside gougères (cheese puffs) or a light terrine de poisson. Its body and refined bubbles also elevate roast poultry or a creamy mushroom risotto.
When serving Philipponnat Brut 2019, chill the bottle to a temperature between 8-10°C. This allows the wine’s lively aromatics and intricate palate to express themselves best, balancing freshness with depth and complexity. A tulip-shaped flute or white wine glass will allow the bouquet to open fully for maximum enjoyment.
