Clos des Goisses is one of the most prestigious cuvées of Maison Philipponnat. Located in Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, in the Vallée de la Marne, this single-plot champagne has a spectacular terroir marked by a steep slope, full south-facing exposure and chalky soil. Made mainly from Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, it stands out for its power, freshness, minerality and remarkable ageing potential.
A unique terroir in Mareuil-sur-Aÿ
Clos des Goisses covers almost six hectares divided into several plots on a hillside overlooking the Marne.
Its slope is one of its most impressive features, reaching around 35 to 45 degrees in places and giving the vines a particularly favourable exposure.
Facing due south, the vineyard receives a great deal of sun. This encourages ripeness in a region with a relatively cool climate like Champagne.
Pinot Noir and Chardonnay can thus reach good concentration while keeping enough acidity to produce balanced wines.
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Chalk at the heart of Clos des Goisses
The chalky soil also plays an essential role.
Chalk stores water and gradually releases it to the vine roots. It is also regularly associated with the tension and minerality characteristic of Champagne's great terroirs.
Clos des Goisses therefore combines two elements that might seem opposed: high ripeness linked to its sunny exposure and great freshness.
This contrast is central to the cuvée's identity.
A story that begins in 1935
Maison Philipponnat acquired Clos des Goisses in 1935 under the impetus of Pierre Philipponnat.
At that time, champagne production was mainly based on blending several crus, grapes and plots.
Philipponnat chose to vinify the grapes from this hillside separately.
Clos des Goisses thus became one of Champagne's historic single-plot cuvées and helped show that a champagne can also seek to express a terroir precisely.
Pinot Noir and Chardonnay
Clos des Goisses is made mainly from Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
Pinot Noir is often the majority. It brings power, vinosity, structure and depth.
Chardonnay brings more finesse, freshness and tension.
The proportions vary with the vintage to respect the character of each harvest.
The blend seeks to keep the terroir's natural concentration without losing the balance essential to a great champagne.
Oak vinification
A large share of Clos des Goisses wines is vinified in oak.
Barrels can add complexity and texture while gradually supporting the champagne's ageing.
Philipponnat generally avoids malolactic fermentation to preserve the wine's natural acidity.
This decision maintains great freshness despite the high ripeness achieved thanks to the south-facing exposure.
The dosage also remains low. Clos des Goisses is generally released in an Extra Brut style to let terroir, minerality and structure express themselves more.
Long ageing in the cellar
Clos des Goisses benefits from extended ageing before release.
The years spent on the lees allow the champagne to develop greater complexity.
Fresh fruit aromas can gradually be joined by notes of brioche, pastry, dried fruit, honey, spice or vanilla.
This ageing also helps the power of the Pinot Noir and the freshness of the Chardonnay integrate better.
What does Clos des Goisses taste like?
Each vintage naturally has its own profile.
White fruit, citrus, yellow fruit and sometimes red fruit regularly appear.
With age come more pastry, spice and oak aromas.
On the palate, Clos des Goisses is generally characterised by concentration and vinosity.
Minerality and acidity bring a tension that balances the wine's power.
The finish is often long and can show a pleasant saline sensation.
A gastronomic champagne
Thanks to its structure, Clos des Goisses can accompany a full meal.
Fine fish, shellfish, poultry and gastronomic dishes easily find their place alongside this cuvée.
Older vintages can also accompany richer dishes thanks to their aromatic depth.
Clos des Goisses thus shows that a great champagne need not be reserved for the aperitif.
A champagne with great ageing potential
Ageing potential is one of Clos des Goisses' main qualities.
Grape concentration, acidity and structure allow some vintages to evolve for several decades in good conditions.
Over time, the fruit can give way to honey, dried fruit, spice or pastry notes.
This longevity explains the interest of enthusiasts and collectors in older vintages.
Why is Clos des Goisses so prestigious?
Philipponnat's Clos des Goisses combines a rare terroir, a particular history and precise winemaking.
Its spectacular slope, south-facing exposure, chalk soil and microclimate favour exceptional ripeness while preserving freshness and tension.
Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, oak vinification, low dosage and long ageing then build a powerful, deep and complex champagne.
Since 1935, this single-plot cuvée has become one of Maison Philipponnat's great references and a perfect illustration of the importance of terroir in Champagne.
