Billecart-Salmon : Cuvée Nicolas François Billecart 2008

The freshness and complexity of an Extra Brut vintage champagne

The property

Since its creation in 1818 by the couple Elisabeth Salmon and Nicolas-François Billecart, the Champagne Billecart-Salmon House has remained independent, preserving for 7 generations the entirety of its know-how and the demand for the quality of its cuvées.

The vineyard

The vineyard of the Billecart-Salmon House extends from the Côte des Blancs to the Montagne de Reims over nearly 100 hectares. The vines are cultivated and cared for in a traditional way to approach an authentic fruit and reflect the quality of the Champagne terroir.

The wine

The Cuvée Nicolas François Billecart was created in 1964 in tribute to the founder of the House. Seductive for its subtle balance between balance and maturity, this 2008 vintage is the result of a blend of Grands crus (83%) and Premiers crus (17%) from classified communes of the Montagne de Reims, the Grande Vallée de la Marne and the Côte des Blancs.

Vinification and aging

17% of the production is vinified in oak barrels. The maturation on lees of this 2008 vintage champagne takes place over a period of more than 12 years. Its dosage is 2.9 g/L.

Blend

Pinot noir (60%) from Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, Aÿ, Ambonnay, Bouzy, Verzenay and Verzy.
Chardonnay (40%) from the communes of Mesnil, Chouilly, Cramant, Vertus.

Characteristics and tasting advice for the Nicolas François Billecart 2008 champagne from Billecart-Salmon

Tasting

Color
Bright, the color is of a delicate golden hue. The effervescence is finely chiseled and of beautiful precision.

Nose
Rich while retaining a clear freshness, the nose exhales fruity (stone fruit) and floral (acacia flower and rose petal) fragrances. As the aeration progresses, the bouquet becomes more complex through notes of slightly roasted slivered almonds, frangipane and candied mandarin peels.

Palate
The palate seduces with its balance, tension and minerality. Fruity aromas (fresh yellow raspberry, fresh quince, fresh fig) mingle with delicious notes of honeyed biscuits, finger lime or even licorice and pigeon heart cherry). A subtle alliance between power and precision stretches to a finish exhaling notes of toasted bread and bergamot.

Food and wine pairings

A beautiful sole from a small boat with lemon butter, a veal chop from the pan and girolles are refined pairings with this exceptional champagne.

Service and aging

For optimal tasting, serve at cellar temperature (11/12°C). This cuvée can wait in cellars for more than 10 years.