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If you’re a fan of ultra-dry champagne, here’s a release worth noting. Philipponnat Royale Réserve Non Dosé recently made its long-awaited return to Systembolaget’s limited selection – and just in time for spring celebrations.
I recently had the chance to try this champagne and was genuinely impressed. This is a no-dosage cuvée – meaning there’s no added sugar after disgorgement – which gives it a pure, crisp profile that truly lets the wine’s origin shine through. It’s bone-dry, yet remarkably elegant and fresh, offering a transparent expression of the Champagne terroir.
The blend consists of 65% Pinot Noir, 32% Chardonnay, and 3% Pinot Meunier, sourced mainly from Grand and Premier Cru vineyards in the heart of the region. Only the first press (known as la cuvée) is used, ensuring top-tier quality from the outset.
What sets Philipponnat apart is their artisanal approach – they use the same base wine for both their Brut and Non Dosé versions, a rare method among Champagne houses. In the Non Dosé, however, no sugar is added in the dosage, making the final result more precise and mineral-driven.
The base vintage here is 2020, with around 30% reserve wines aged in oak barrels of varying sizes (from 228L to 4,600L), adding depth and complexity. The champagne is then aged for four years on the lees, far beyond the minimum requirement, giving it a refined, layered character.
Tasting notes? The nose is refined and expressive, with citrus, red apple, white stone fruit, almond, and a whisper of smoky minerality. On the palate, it’s razor-sharp and invigorating, with notes of lemon, orange zest, quince, gooseberry, and freshly baked bread. The finish is long, saline, and mouthwatering – I immediately thought of sea spray on sun-warmed rocks.
While it’s delicious on its own, it’s also a perfect match for lighter seafood dishes. This champagne will continue to develop beautifully over the next few years, especially if you let it rest for 6–18 months post-disgorgement.
Philipponnat Royale Réserve Non Dosé
Article number Systembolaget: 92362
Price: 529 SEK
Alcohol: 12.5%
Volume: 750 ml
If you’re curious about what a no-dosage champagne truly tastes like – this is a benchmark bottle, and a brilliant place to start. Cheers!
