One of the most 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.
A few years ago I met with 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 incredibly knowledgeable about the region and drinks very well. He is beyond passionate about his outstanding brand that is performing very well in the United States.
I adored the new 2012 Billecart-Salmon ‘Louis Salmon’ Blanc de Blancs Champagne (OB, 98) which is a total masterclass and is incredibly refined, with a silky mousse. This beauty will easily be a 20 year wine! Learn more about this famed champagne house at https://www.champagne-billecart.fr Here are the beautiful new Champagnes by Billecart-Salmon.
NV Billecart-Salmon ‘Grand Cru’ Blanc de Blancs Champagne- The astonishingly good NV Billecart-Salmon ‘Grand Cru’ Blanc de Blancs Champagne was given 8G/L dosage and comes from Grand Cru sites in the villages of Avize, Chouilly, Cramant, Mesnil-sur-Oger. Aged on the lees for five years, this offers kumquat zest, key lime and a bright sense of salinity on the palate, with green apple notes. Fresh and lithe, enjoy now and over the next eight years. Drink 2024-2032- 93
2012 Billecart-Salmon ‘Louis Salmon’ Blanc de Blancs Champagne- This beautiful 2012 Champagne comes form the villages of Mesnil-sur-Oger, Chouilly, Cramant and Oiry. The wine is a tribute to Louis, Elisabeth Salmon’s brother, who was passionate about oenology. 25% of the wine was stored in oak vessels before disgorgement as this was aged on the lees for 115 months before disgorgement. It is powerful, dense and drop-dead gorgeous with its core of oyster shell and lemon oil alongside toasted hazelnut and its refined mousse. Full-bodied yet very nervy, enjoy this beautiful wine over the next fifteen plus years. Drink 2024-2042- 98