Philipponnat’s Clos des Goisses 2015 stands out as one of Champagne’s most revered single-vineyard bottlings, known for its rich complexity and distinctive character. The wine hails from a steep, south-facing plot in Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, whose chalky soils and excellent sun exposure consistently produce powerful and expressive Champagnes. While the precise blend varies by vintage, Clos des Goisses is typically dominated by Pinot Noir with supporting Chardonnay; however, given the occasional variability in records, it’s best to approach this bottle as an exceptional expression of its terroir, marked by vibrant acidity, impressive structure, and a remarkable ageing potential. The “extra-brut” designation suggests a restrained dosage, allowing the purity of fruit, mineral backbone, and savoury depth to take centre stage.
Champagne itself enjoys a unique northern climate, with cool temperatures ensuring grapes retain their hallmark freshness and finesse. The region’s famous chalk substrata play a key role in the character of its wines, contributing tension and elegance. Clos des Goisses, with its legendary slope, enjoys exceptional drainage and warmth, permitting complexity in even the coolest years. Philipponnat, a family house with centuries of expertise, has sculpted this parcel into a beacon for lovers of distinctive, terroir-driven Champagne.
In terms of food pairing, Clos des Goisses shines with gastronomic dishes. Its layered intensity and fine bubbles make it a wonderful partner to lobster with beurre blanc, turbot with truffle, or a delicate poultry dish such as poulet de Bresse à la crème. Creamy cheeses like Chaource or aged Comté also work wonderfully, particularly given the wine’s vibrant acidity and subtle autolytic notes.
For optimal enjoyment, serve Clos des Goisses 2015 well-chilled but not ice-cold: around 10–12°C. Allowing the wine to open in the glass will uncover its full aromatic depth, making each sip a celebration of Champagne’s rarest terroirs.
