Champagne Philipponnat Les Cintres - 2006 75cl

Regarding the Champagne Philipponnat Les Cintres - 2006

Cuvée Les Cintres from Philipponnat is one of three cuvées crafted using grapes harvested in 2006 exclusively from selected plots. The cuvée is produced from grapes grown in the sunniest part of this exceptional vineyard.

This cuvée is elaborated from 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay, and is fermented in casks. It is vinified using traditional methods to avoid premature oxidation, with no malolactic fermentation. Cuvée Les Cintres has an "Extra-brut" dosage (4.5 g/litre) to maintain a balance between freshness and vinosity without masking the wine’s character and purity.

It is characterized by a light, bright gold in colour and fine, creamy bubbles forming a persistent ring. The expressive nose combines notes of red fruits such as raspberries, with aromas of toast and honey.
On the palate, this very supple vintage offers notes of red fruits and raspberry eau-de-vie with a hint of smokiness. The attack is precise, leading to a full, rich and well-structured palate with supple tannins and a wonderfully fresh finish, holding the promise of superb aging potential.

With its exceptional aromatic character, this cuvée makes a subtle match for lobster, langoustines and saltwater fish. Its robust structure and great length already enhance white meats, and given a few more years to age it will also complement stews and cheeses with elegance. Serve chilled at 8 to 9°C as an aperitif or 10 to 12°C to accompany a meal.

The cuvée has been cellar-aged for several years giving complexity, and if it is kept in a cool and dark cellar it will continue to develop magnificently for at least a further five years.