Since 1522 Family Philipponnat is cultivating the land at Ay. All of the Philipponnat’s 17 ha of vines in Ay, Mareuil-sur-Ay and Avenay are classified Premier and Grand Cru. Right in the heart of the Champagne wine-growing area, Philipponnat also owns the exceptional vineyard Clos des Goisses, which in the old Champagne dialect means a very steep slope. It is the region’s warmest terroir.

The Family is working to preserve the centuries-old terroir by using natural methods to work the soil, hoeing by hand and ploughing with horses. Further it’s a very longstanding House tradition to use the solera process. This technique ensures that every bottle retains a trace of previous years’ wines.

With it's fruity-spicy aroma of strawberries and a touch of Jamaicapepper, toast, cookies and coffee, this champagne reminds of a red wine. Clos des Goisses 2005 is actually a very fine wine before being a very fine champagne. With its very full structure, almost an oily texture, it makes you think that you suck on pulp. A perfect match for strong-flavoured dishes such as game, truffles, caviar and soft cheeses. It should be decanted into a carafe before being served to allow it to breath.