One of the brilliant and incredibly consistent producers in Champagne, Billecart-Salmon is pretty small in production as they control an estate of 100 hectares, obtaining grapes from an area spanning 300 hectares across 40 crus of the Champagne region. The majority of the grapes used for vinification come from a radius of 20km around Epernay, where the Grand Crus of Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay co-exist, in the vineyards of the Montagne de Reims, the Vallée de la Marne and the Côte des Blancs. It is incredible that this house now spans seven generations, originally formed with the marriage of 1818 when Nicolas François Billecart and Elisabeth Salmon in 1818. This remains a family winery since the beginning with Louis Salmon, brother of Elisabeth and a passionate oenologist, getting involved in the creation of the wines.
Their tete de cuvee, ‘Cuvee Nicolas Francois’ was first crafted in 1964 crafted to serve as an homage to their founder. The house has received considerable critical acclaim over the years, not only for their top wines, including the Clos Saint-Hilaire cuvée, first created with the 1995 vintage, but their Rose and vintage champagnes in particular. On the west coast of the United States, their Rose champagne is particularly one of the most popular champagnes that you will find in bars and restaurants.
Last year I had the honor of being hosted by seventh generation CEO Mr Mathieu Roland-Billecart, who assumed his position back in January 2019 from his cousin François Roland-Billecart, who headed the House since 1992. Mathieu is a larger than life personality with incredible knowledge and passion for his house and champagne. Lets just say that he doesn’t drink other houses champagnes!
I recently had the chance to try their new 2008 Billecart-Salmon ‘Cuvee Nicolas Francois’ Brut Champagne (OB, 96) which is a masterful wine now at the fifteen year mark. Very fresh and polished with plenty of viscosity, this will live on for another twenty years — and potentially more!! Learn more about this famed champagne house at https://www.champagne-billecart.fr Here are the beautiful new Champagnes by Billecart-Salmon.
2008 Billecart-Salmon ‘Cuvee Nicholas Francois’ Brut Champagne- From this famed vintage this is a stunning 2008 wine now at the fifteen year mark. The 2008 Cuvee Nicolas Francois’ was stored on the lees for ten years and given 2.9 G/L dosage, this is a blend of Grands Cru wines from the classified Côte des Blancs vineyards (Chardonnay) and the Montagne de Reims (Pinot Noir). The palate offers a seamless mousse and considerable concentration. Salted Macadamia nut, kumquat rind, Japanese pear and shades of Meyer lemon oil dusted brioche all brilliantly combine on the palate. This is very seamless and beautifully textured wine that will live on for decades to come. Give this at least 30 minutes of air if consuming now to take on the marvelous flavor range. Drink 2023-2042- 96