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Nicolas-François Billecart founded the House in 1818. He added his wife Elisabeth's maiden name, (Salmon) to his own and could have personally claimed the above maxim. Stringent quality has been the key motivating factor behind the Billecart Salmon family, established at Mareuil-sur-Aÿ since the sixteenth century. It justifies the trust shown, right from the start, by the wine merchants from the newly established United States of America, The Russian nobility and later by Prince Charles of Bavaria, one of the most prestigious courts of Europe in the second half of the nineteenth century. Since it's foundation, the House has always remained in the same family, handed down from father to son with men who meticulously fashion the product. The current management, seven generations down from the Founder, guarantees the continuation of ancestral traditions. In 1992, François Roland-Billecart took over from his father, Jean Roland-Billecart and now manages the House. Billecart-Salmon is one of the few remaining Champagne Houses to be owned by it's original family. A guarantee of quality and authenticity recognised by all aristocrats of taste such as Alain Passard L'Arpège in Paris, Michel Guérar-Eugénie-les-Bains, Freddy Van de Casserie -La Villa Lorraine in Brussels and many others who entrust the House of Billecart-Salmon with the production of their own cuvée. To make consistently good Champagne, it is necessary to use good grapes every time. The strength of a House such as Billecart-Salmon lies of course, in it's knowledge but also in the quality of the grapes vinified every year. Billecart-Salmon rejects grapes that do not meet the stringent standards demanded. This extreme determination to provide quintessential quality gives this House it's noble status. Today, very few Houses can claim that average ranking of the grapes they use, for all cuvées combined, is above 95 %. The House of Billecart-Salmon therefore seeks genuine excellence considering that the vineyards are classified according to the quality they produce, the best vineyards being ranked 100% of "échelle des crus" and so forth until 80 %. This combined with a century old wine-making art make the Billecart-Salmon "secret". It is as simple as that. For Billecart-Salmon, it is another way of showing respect for tradition and it has made this House a major Champagne House. Brut Réserve Appareance This straw-coloured cuvée has very fine bubbles which rise slowly and has a persistent mousse. A mature aroma,but fresh nose, with aromas of ripe pear and touches of cut hay. Fresh Taste and long tasting with a clean finish on the palate. The grapes used are 40% Pinot Meunier, 30% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay sourced from specially selected vineyards in the department of the Marne. Harmonious and well balanced, the Brut Réserve may be drunk on all occasions and with various courses. Nicolas-François Billecart 1997 A beautiful appearance pale gold, fine mousse with a slow consistent cordon of bubbles. A complex aroma of mature roses, with notes of a forest interior in summer. Balanced taste and rich, this is an accomplished wine. The exquisite aromas experienced on the nose are realised on palate. This cuvée contains 40% Chardonnay originating from the Grands Crus of the Côte des Blancs, and 60% Pinot Noir from the Grands Crus of the Montagne de Reims. The "liqueur d'expédition" is made from wines fermented in oak barrels. A perfect accompaniment with white meat. The vintage is proposed in a bottle designed by the founder in 1818, with an elegant label created in 1838. Available in bottle and half-bottle only. Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Fine appearance and elegant bubbles. Powerful aroma and elegant with a hint of almonds Very taste complex and rich, with a hint of nut, fresh finish. 100% Chardonnay originating from the Grands Crus vineyards of the Côte des Blancs. Blended from two vintages, the grapes are sourced from Le Mesnil-sur-Oger and gives the cuvée the true Chardonnay character of region. The slightly oriental character of this cuvée will be very good with food from South-east and Japanese sushi. Grande Cuvée 1990 Grande Cuvée is a Grand Cru with a vibrant golden colour and very fine mousse. Complex aroma, rich, and powerful nose. Aromas of red fruit, with hints of chocolate and toast. Full bodied, long finish. This cuvée contains 40% Chardonnay from the only Grands Crus of the Côte des Blancs and 60% Pinot Noir from Grands Crus of Montagne de Reims. To drink with red meat or simply to enjoy at the end of a very pleasant evening. The bottle dates back to 1818 and was design by the Founder. The label is the relica of the original one created in 1838. Grande Cuvée is available in bottle, and during certain vintages in magnum. |
