{"product_id":"billecart-salmon-cuvee-nicolas-francois-2012","title":"Billecart-Salmon Cuvée Nicolas François 2012","description":"\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWinery Background and History:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e Maison Billecart-Salmon was founded in 1818 in Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, Champagne, France, and has remained \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003efamily-owned for more than two centuries\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e. The house emphasizes elegance, finesse, and meticulous blending over sheer power, earning global respect among Champagne connoisseurs. Cuvée Nicolas François was created in \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e1964 as a tribute to the house’s founder\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e, Nicolas François Billecart, and represents one of the most prestigious vintage cuvées the estate produces. It showcases the depth and ageing potential of top Champagne terroirs and reflects the house’s dedication to craftsmanship and consistency across generations.\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s2\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eProducer and Wine Maker:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e The cellar team at Billecart-Salmon is led by long-serving winemaking professionals who rigorously taste and blend base wines to achieve harmony and precision. Chief winemaker Florent Nys oversees the selection of only the best lots from \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eGrand Cru and Premier Cru sites\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e, with a small portion of the wines fermented in oak to add complexity. Their disciplined approach in managing fermentation, malolactic activity, and extended lees ageing ensures that Cuvée Nicolas François expresses both power and finesse, maintaining the house’s signature style.\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s2\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eVineyards and Micro Climate:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e The grapes for Cuvée Nicolas François are sourced exclusively from \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eGrand Cru and Premier Cru vineyards\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e in Champagne, with \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003ePinot Noir predominating from the Montagne de Reims and Grande Vallée de la Marne\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e, and \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eChardonnay from the Côte des Blancs\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e (including Mesnil-sur-Oger, Avize, and Chouilly). The cool continental climate and chalky soils enhance natural acidity, minerality, and aromatic purity. The balance of structured Pinot Noir and precise Chardonnay reflects the diverse microclimates of these prestigious sites, contributing depth, tension, and ageing potential.\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s2\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eVinification \u0026amp; Aging Methods:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e This cuvée is a \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003evintage Champagne\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e produced using the traditional method with 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay. A small proportion of the wine (approximately 10%) is \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003evinified in oak barrels\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e to add richness and complexity. After the traditional second fermentation in bottle, it is \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eaged on lees for an extended period (around 10 years)\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e, developing texture, depth, and nuanced autolytic character. The dosage is kept low (around 3.8 g\/L) to highlight purity and structure.\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s2\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eTasting Notes:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e In the glass, the wine shows a \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003erich golden hue with fine, persistent bubbles\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e. The nose reveals \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eintense orchard fruits, citrus zest, honeysuckle, beeswax, pastry cream, and subtle spice\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e. On the palate, it is \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003ecreamy yet structured\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e, with layered flavours of candied lemon, ripe peach, beeswax, orange zest, and saline minerality, supported by bright acidity and a long, persistent finish. This vintage displays balance between depth and freshness, with an elegant progression through the palate.\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s2\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eFood \u0026amp; Wine Pairing:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e Cuvée Nicolas François pairs beautifully with refined and nuanced cuisine. Consider \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003epoached lobster with citrus butter, seared scallops, tuna tartare with caviar, and creamy poultry dishes\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e, where its acidity and layered complexity complement rich flavours. It also matches well with \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eaged cheeses\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e and nuanced seafood preparations such as sole with lemon butter. The wine’s depth and tension make it suitable for celebratory courses and special occasions.\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s2\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eService Methods and Temperatures:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e Serve at \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e10–12 °C (50–54 °F)\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e to fully reveal its aromatics and layered texture. Use \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003elarge white wine or tulip-shaped Champagne glasses\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e to focus the bouquet and give the wine space to open. Pour gently and allow a few moments in the glass for aeration to enhance complexity.\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s2\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eStorage and Aging Potential:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e This vintage Champagne has \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eexcellent aging potential\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e. Under optimal cellar conditions (cool, dark, stable humidity and temperature), it can age gracefully for \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e20+ years\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e from vintage, with flavours evolving to show greater nuance, creamy autolytic character, and tertiary complexity. Even mature bottles continue to exhibit tension and vibrancy.\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s2\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eGrape Varietals \u0026amp; Percentage Used:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e 60% Pinot Noir, 40% Chardonnay.\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s2\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eABV (Alcohol by Volume):\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s3\"\u003e Approximately 12.0%.\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s2\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eScores:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e98 Jeb Dunnuck\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e97 James Suckling\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e96 Wine Advocate\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e95 Decanter\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e94 Wine Spectator\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e    \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s2\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Chelsea","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46444591284355,"sku":null,"price":1380.0,"currency_code":"HKD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0616\/9401\/7667\/files\/Billecart-SalmonCuveeNicholasFrancois.png?v=1769684478","url":"https:\/\/www.omycellar.com\/products\/billecart-salmon-cuvee-nicolas-francois-2012","provider":"OMY Cellar","version":"1.0","type":"link"}