Billecart-Salmon Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru NV

Winery Background and History: Maison Billecart-Salmon was established in 1818 in Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, Champagne, France, by Nicolas François Billecart and Elisabeth Salmon. For more than two centuries, the family-owned house has built a reputation for elegant, refined Champagne that emphasizes finesse over power. Throughout its history, Billecart-Salmon has remained committed to meticulous blending and quality, quietly producing some of the most respected cuvées in the region. Its wines are appreciated for their clarity, texture, and harmony, making them perennial favourites among connoisseurs worldwide.

Producer and Wine Maker: Today, Billecart-Salmon is led by the Roland-Billecart family and a dedicated cellar team focused on blending consistency with expression. The winemaking approach centres on rigorous tasting, precision blending of reserve wines, and careful fermentation practices that preserve freshness and aromatic purity. The team’s philosophy is to showcase the purity of fruit derived from top vineyard sites. In the Blanc de Blancs, this results in Champagne with crystalline clarity and pure Chardonnay expression while honouring the house’s signature elegance.

Vineyards and Micro Climate: The grapes for the Blanc de Blancs are sourced exclusively from Grand Cru villages in the Côte des Blancs — including Avize, Chouilly, Cramant, and Mesnil-sur-Oger — regions famed for chalky soils and outstanding Chardonnay. This cool continental climate with long, slow ripening seasons imparts high natural acidity, tight structure, and vibrant aromatics to the fruit. The limestone-rich soils lend distinctive minerality and tension, allowing Chardonnay to express both precision and depth in the finished wine.

Vinification & Aging Methods: This non-vintage Blanc de Blancs is crafted using the traditional method with 100% Chardonnay. Fermentation occurs mainly in stainless steel tanks to preserve purity and freshness. The blend includes a proportion of reserve wines from previous years, adding texture and complexity. After second fermentation in bottle, the wine is aged on its lees for an extended period (generally 4 to 5 years), developing fine mousse, subtle autolytic nuances, and depth of flavour prior to disgorgement with a light dosage that highlights tension and minerality. 

Tasting Notes: In the glass, it exhibits a luminous gold hue with fine, persistent bubbles and vibrant energy. The bouquet opens with white flowers, citrus zest, brioche, fresh butter, and mineral notes, leading to a palate that is creamy yet taut, with chalky texture, delicate almond, lemon peel, and saline nuances. The finish is long and refined, guided by bright acidity and subtle savoury complexity that defines classic Blanc de Blancs style. 

Food & Wine Pairing: This Blanc de Blancs pairs beautifully with refined seafood and delicate flavours. It complements Ossetra caviar, oysters, scallops, sushi, and ceviche, where its acidity and minerality cleanse the palate. It also works with light poultry dishes, creamy cheeses, and fresh salads with citrus or herb dressings. As an aperitif, it’s equally compelling, inviting conversation with its clarity and elegance. 

Service Methods and Temperatures: Serve chilled at 8–10 °C (46–50 °F) to showcase its freshness, delicate aromatics, and fine bead. Use a tulip or white wine glass to focus the aromas and allow the refined mousse to evolve. Pour gently and allow a few moments for the wine to open and reveal its mineral complexity before tasting. 

Storage and Aging Potential: As a non-vintage Champagne, this Blanc de Blancs is crafted for expressive freshness with a fine structure suitable for immediate enjoyment. Under proper storage — cool, dark, and constant temperature — it can retain its quality for 8 to 10 years from the date of disgorgement, with flavours evolving to show greater richness and depth over time. 

Grape Varietals & Percentage Used: 100% Chardonnay. 

ABV (Alcohol by Volume): Approximately 12.0%. 

Scores:

94 Falstaff

94 Wine Enthusiast

93 James Suckling

93 Jeb Dunnuck

92 Wine Spectator

92 Vinous

92 Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate