Review:
A generous aromatic palate focussed around red fruits portrayed by the Pinot Noir grape balanced out by the sweet notes of barley. A fair and precise nose, and a full body with a controlled richness.
La Revue du Vin de France. Special Champagne. December 2010
Background Information:
Billecart-Salmon, a medium-size Champagne House in Mareuil-sur-Ay, was founded in 1818 by the original owners Nicolas Francois Billecart and Elisabeth Salmon who combined their names on marriage to create the brand. It is one of the few remaining Champagne houses to remain family owned.
Most of Billecart-Salmon's fruit comes from a small vineyard holding, though this is supplemented with grapes bought in from the Marne Valley and the Montagne de Reims. Meticulous production techniques, from the use of their own cultured yeast to its long, slow, cool fermentation, ensure that the family has 100% control of production.
Billecart-Salmon is renowned for the quality of its delicate Rose, whilst the Brut Reserve (a blend of three vintages) is a beautifully harmonious and balanced wine. All have the ability to age very well.
The Cuvee Nicolas-Francois Billecart 1959 won the title in the Champagne of the Millennium 1999, out of 150 of the finest 20th Century champagnes. A magnum of the winning champagne later sold for £3,300.
