Brut Nicolas François Billecart Billecart-Salmon 2012

Founded in 1818, Maison Billecart is certainly not the oldest yet is probably one of the most famous Champagne houses and still in the hands of the same founding family (supported since 2005 by the Frey group). Today, Mathieu Roland-Billecart, the 7th generation, oversees the estate. Maison Billecart Salmon was born from the union of two great family owners of vineyards in Champagne, when Nicolas-François Billecart married Elisabeth Salmon in 1818. Very prosperous at the end of the 19th century (the wines were then known and appreciated as far as the United States and Russia), the maison, located in Mareuil sur Aÿ, would experience major setbacks of fortune at the beginning of the 20th century. They have now resolved these issues and the house is once again flourishing.
Located in Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, the house owns 100 hectares here it gets its supplies from around 300 hectares of the best terroirs around Epernay. Interestingly, Billecart belongs to these maisons that make barrels which means that part of the harvest is vinified in Burgundy parts. The grand cuvée Clos Saint-Hilaire is vinified in its entirety. From a stylistic point of view, Billecart-Salmon embodies finesse and precision. These are always great wines, both as an aperitif and with meals, fresh and with admirable energy.