Wine List
Billecart Salmon Brut NV
- Country
- France
- Region
- Champagne
- Producer
- Chamagne Billecart Salmon
- Grape(s)
- Pinot Meunier (40%)
- Pinot Noir (30%)
- Chardonnay (30%)
- Type
- Sparkling
- Style
- Fizz
- Oaked Style
- Unoaked
- Body Style
- Medium bodied
- Dry / Sweet Style
- Bone dry
- Alcohol Content (%)
- 12
- Closure Style
- Cork
- Organic / Biodynamic
- Normal
Region
The word Champagne derives from Latin `campania`, or open countryside. However the exception is the area south of the city of Reims, where a group of low hills and valleys provide a unique micro climate, enabling the vine to grow on deep chalk soils.
The vineyards of Champagne are planted in three distinct areas. The `Montagne de Reims` is predominately planted with Pinot Noir, the backbone to the Champagne blend, whilst Chardonnay is ideally suited to the chalky slopes of the `Cote de Blancs` south of the town of Epernay. Pinot Meunier dominates the `Vallee de la Marne`, an area susceptible to frosts, which it is more able to withstand, due to later budding.
The secret of Champagne is in the blend, where wines from different grape varieties and vineyards are blended to achieve the `house style`.
Producer
Billecart Salmon is one of the rare Champagne houses being under the ownership of the original family. Established in 1818 by Nicolas-Francois Billecart, the vineyard is small and is supplemented with grapes bought in from Marne Valley and the Montagne de Reims. The blend of varieties used in the non-vintage wine has not differed in over 50 years and is a classic mix of the three grape varieties grown in the region.
Tasting (Long)
This elegant and sophisticated blend uses all three varietals, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier, to achieve complexity, richness and harmony. Maturity on the lees adds bready aromas to ripe pear and floral nuances yet leaves a fresh, crisp finish.
Tasting (Short)
Straw coloured with fine bubbles and a persistent mousse. The aroma is fresh with hints of ripe pear and touches of cut hay. On the palate it is fresh and long lasting, with a clean finish.
Food
Will match a wide variety of dishes from seafood and cold platters to more complicated fish and poultry recipes and with fruit at the end of a meal.
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