Who makes it?

Billecart-Salmon Champagne is still a family owned Champagne house. It all started in 1818, with the marriage of Nicolas Francois Billecart and Elisabeth Salmon. And thus began the business. A seventh generation Billecart is now working in the family business. And it is all looking like the house is going from strength to strength.

Unsurprisingly though, the Billecart-Salmon Brut rosé is the wine that instantly comes to mind. What with ‘salmon’ being so suggestive of rosé wines. What perhaps IS suprising, is that it hasn’t always been made. It was Jean-Roland Billecart who reintroduced the style back into the stable in 1970. And we are very thankful that he did!

How do they make it?

Billecart-Salmon rosé is a Chardonnay led fizz (40%) with the rest split between Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. Initially, the wines ferment in stainless steel and undergoing malolactic fermentation. They are blended with a large portion of reserve wines to maintain that house style (40%). Once the wine is bottled, it spends 36 months resting on its lees (dead yeast cells). And then at disgorgement, a dosage including 9 g/l sugar is added to balance the wine.

What does it taste like?

This is the epitome of an elegant rosé, the pale copper with hints of salmony pink is one that brings to mind an aperitif before the theatre, ballet, opera ….. It’s complexity goes a long way to justify the extra spend.  The scent is of classic strawberries and cream, and apricot nuances with a bready, slatey edge. It is a dry and crisp fizz with a creamy mousse and fine bubbles. The flavours are of vanilla sponge, slately minerals, nuts and stonefruit which continue to linger.

What to drink it with?

Undeniably, this is one versatile wine. This will enchant and beguile whether it is served as an aperitif, or with food. Shellfish, fresh cheese salads topped with pomegranate, or again as the name suggests fresh salmon. It also has enough character to cope with a chicken pie or a herbed venison pie encased in puff pastry.

Cheese

Feta and other fresh cheeses, including goat’s cheese. And bloomy cheese too, such as Brie.

Quickie review «One of Champagne’s classic Rose sparklings! There is a very good reason it is a go-to bubbles for many Champagne lovers. »

Countryof Origin: Champagne AOC, France
Tasting Date:  July 2021
Price:  AUD$ | UK£ | USD++
Drink: now – 3 years
Needs food: no
Source: Tasting

If you like this Billecart-Salmon Champagne, you might also like these Organic Champagnes or perhaps you are more interested in finding out about zero dosage Champagnes.

For more information about the Billecart-Salmon, please visit their website.