In 1818, Nicolas Francois Billecart and his spouse Elisabeth Salmon founded their champagne house in Mareuil-sur-Ay (Marne), where the Billecart family has been established since the 17th century. Some 200 years later, the family has remained loyal to Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, currently the seventh generation of the descendants run the champagne house maintaining its independence against all odds. François-Roland Billecart, the current company CEO continues the quest for quality, and a determination to craft an exceptional product, champagne steeped in its land and history.
Celebrated worldwide for its excellence, this discreet champagne can be found in only the finest Wine Shops and is the star at the best chef’s tables (Alain Passard, the highly inventive chef at L'Arpege in Paris swears by it!).
For many Champagne lovers, especially in the US, this is the house for rosé. While Billecart-Salmon is deservedly renowned for this delicate, impeccably balanced bottling, the house's other cuvées also emphasize purity and precision of flavor, with an emphasis on Chardonnay. The special cuvees are where things really get exciting, most notably the Clos St.-Hillaire, taken from a single Pinot Noir vineyard. This is an exceptional Blanc de Noir.
Billecart-Salmon is one of my favorite Champagne houses, and their non-vintage Rose is a consistent winner. A delicate pink color is accompanied by gorgeous sweet cherry, strawberry, and mineral-like scents, assertive medium-bodied flavors, a delicate, crisp personality, and surprising depth as well as persistence. A beautiful berry character in the finish adds to this impeccable rose captivating style. Robert Parker
A fabulous demi-sec from an outstanding producer. For those familiar with Billecart's range, it is slightly more rounded and creamier in style than their non-vintage and drinking stunningly well now.
Billecart-Salmon is one of my favorite Champagne houses, and their non-vintage Rose is a consistent winner. A delicate pink color is accompanied by gorgeous sweet cherry, strawberry, and mineral-like scents, assertive medium-bodied flavors, a delicate, crisp personality, and surprising depth as well as persistence. A beautiful berry character in the finish adds to this impeccable rose captivating style. Robert Parker
Steven Tanzer Rating - FOUR STARS DECANTER MAGAZINE
This just lovely as it offers up a fine nose of green apple, pink grapefruit, bread dough, lovely chalky soil tones and a gentle top note of yeastiness. On the palate the wine is full-bodied, crisp and complex, with fine balance, tiny bubbles, bright acids and fine length and grip on the blossoming and serious finish. A classy Blanc de Blancs.
The1998 Blanc de Blancs is a gorgeous wine with well-delineated varietal aromas and flavors. From start to finish, this is a wine that exudes refinement and balance. The fruit is sourced from Mesnil, Avize, Cramant and Chouilly, but it is really Mesnil and its mineral drive that dominates the balance. In 1998 50% of the wine underwent malolactic fermentation and 5% of the wine was aged in oak. This remains a very fresh, linear Blanc de Blancs capable of another ten years of very fine drinking." Antonio Galloni
Billecart-Salmon is one of my favorite Champagne houses, and their non-vintage Rose is a consistent winner. A delicate pink color is accompanied by gorgeous sweet cherry, strawberry, and mineral-like scents, assertive medium-bodied flavors, a delicate, crisp personality, and surprising depth as well as persistence. A beautiful berry character in the finish adds to this impeccable rose captivating style. Robert Parker
This is the benchmark for all other vintage Roses. Gorgeous aromas of strawberry and citrus oil with an extra-fine mousse. The palate reveals a significant nod to the Pinot Noir in the blend with bright cherry and yeast as well as balancing acidity. While this is delicious now, the future is promising.
The freshness of the cuvee Nicolas François Billecart immediately apparent from its aromatic complexity - aromas of white flowers mixed with subtle notes of brioche. Wonderfully rich and elegant at the same time with lovely freshness on the palate. A classy blend of several Grand Cru vineyards.
First created in the 1982, Billecart-Salmon Grande Cuvee comes from the finest grand cru sites. The Champagne spends 10 years in the houses cellar before release onto the market. An extremely complex sparkling wine, Billecart-Salmon 1996 Grande Cuvee should certainly be included in any Champagne-lovers cellar. Richard Juhlin 96 pts
Magnificent late disgorged champagne from one of the greatest vintages in recent years. Shredded wheat aromas laced with lemon drop and honey undertones. Tangy fruit flavors integrated nicely with toasted grains and a youthful kick of crisp acids that punctuate the finish
This is a lovely mature Blanc de Blanc with an earthy, savory nose; delicious from the start with a seductively honeyed leesy palate balanced by good acidity. The focus on this almost thirty year old Champagne is absolutely gorgeous.
The estate’s 1996 Clos Saint-Hilaire emerges from a one hectare plot that was planted with 100% Pinot Noir in 1964. This golden-hued wine flows from the glass with extraordinary elegance. Delicate notes of biscuit, honey, acacia and roasted nuts are woven into a mousse of sublime refinement. Notes of white pepper, honey, pear and minerals appear on a finish that frames the wine with superb harmony. In 1998 the fermentations were extremely slow, and this wine saw no malolactic fermentation. This is an exceptionally fine, seamless Champagne that is a must-have wine for those lucky enough to find it. 96 points Antonio Galloni - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
