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.
Seventh generation CEO Mr Mathieu Roland-Billecart assumed his position back in January 2019 from his cousin François Roland-Billecart, who headed the House since 1992. Matthiew drinks exceptionally well and has a vast knowledge of his house and the surrounding Champagne region.
The otherworldly 2012 Billecart-Salmon ‘Nicolas Francois’ Champagne (OB, 97) is a masterclass from this great vintage. It was 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.
2012 Billecart-Salmon ‘Nicolas Francois’ Champagne- The dazzling 2012 ‘Nicolas Francois’ Champagne was stored on the lees for more than ten years. Sourced Grand Cru and Premier Cru vineyards in the Montagne de Reims (Pinot Noir) and the Côte des Blancs vineyards (Chardonnay), this was given 3.8G/L dosage. Amazing on the tongue, showing glorious weight and length, the salty minerality prevails throughout this scintillating drinking experience. Diatomaceous earth and white peach parade with baking spice laced pastry crust and shades of wild mushroom on the palate. Big, round and bold, enjoy this beauty over the next fifteen to twenty years. Drink 2025-2042- 97