Billecart-Salmon Le Rose 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. It stands as one of the oldest family-owned Champagne houses, renowned for blending tradition with precision. Over seven generations, the family has maintained a philosophy centered on finesse, balance, and elegance rather than overt richness. Their vineyards and extended network of growers allow access to diverse terroirs, contributing to the consistent quality across their range. Le Rosé is one of the house’s flagship cuvées, celebrated worldwide for its refined style and expressive fruit.

Producer and Wine Maker: Champagne Billecart-Salmon’s cellar team, led by experienced cellar master Florent Nys, embraces a methodology of rigorous tasting, patient blending, and meticulous quality control. The team’s approach is grounded in blending reserve wines from multiple years to achieve textural balance and aromatic complexity. They focus on preserving the purity of fruit and the clarity of expression, drawing on both traditional methods and careful vineyard selection. This disciplined practice ensures that the non-vintage Le Rosé exhibits consistent quality and a distinctive signature across releases.

Vineyards and Micro Climate: The base wines for Le Rosé are sourced from key vineyard areas in Champagne, including Montagne de Reims, Vallée de la Marne, and Côte des Blancs. The region’s cool continental climate, with slow ripening conditions and chalky soils, supports high natural acidity and refined aromatics in the grapes. Chardonnay contributes finesse and zest, Pinot Noir brings structure and red fruit character, and Pinot Meunier adds early approachability and fruitiness. The blend’s final expression reflects the tension between bright acidity and expressive red berry fruit typical of these microclimates.

Vinification & Aging Methods: Le Rosé is produced using the traditional method with base wines mainly fermented in stainless steel to maintain freshness. The rosé colour is achieved by blending in a proportion of still red wine made from Pinot Noir, delivering a delicate hue and red fruit complexity. A significant portion of reserve wines from previous years contributes richness and depth. After second fermentation in bottle, the wine is aged on lees for approximately 36 months, developing a refined mousse and subtle autolytic complexity before disgorgement and light dosage to ensure balance.

Tasting Notes: Visually, Le Rosé shows a pale salmon pink colour with delicate effervescence. The nose is expressive with aromas of wild strawberries, red cherries, citrus zest, and floral nuances, complemented by subtle hints of brioche and minerality. On the palate, it delivers vibrant acidity and finely knit bubbles with flavours of fresh red berries, raspberry, citrus peel, and a touch of almond, leading to an elegant, lingering finish. The texture is balanced and harmonious, showcasing both freshness and depth. 

Food & Wine Pairing: Le Rosé’s vibrancy and red fruit character make it an excellent match with seafood, such as smoked salmon, sushi, and shellfish, as well as with light poultry dishes and creamy appetizers. It complements fresh berry desserts or fruit-based pastries due to its delicate fruit profile. The wine’s acidity and fine mousse also work beautifully with mild cheeses, charcuterie, and slightly spicy Asian dishes that benefit from refreshing acidity.

Service Methods and Temperatures: Serve chilled at 8–10 °C (46–50 °F) to highlight its freshness and aromatic complexity. Use a tulip-shaped flute or white wine glass to capture the bouquet and allow the fine bubbles to lift the delicate red fruit and citrus aromatics to the nose. Pour gently and enjoy within a convivial setting where the wine’s expressive character can shine.

Storage and Aging Potential: As a non-vintage Champagne, Le Rosé is crafted for immediate enjoyment and expressive freshness rather than long-term aging. Under optimal storage conditions — upright in a cool, dark environment with stable temperature and humidity — it can maintain its quality for 3–5 years, though its vibrant fruit and acidity are most compelling when enjoyed sooner.

Grape Varietals & Percentage Used: Approximately 45% Chardonnay, 35% Pinot Noir, 20% Pinot Meunier; includes a proportion of red wine from Pinot Noir vinified separately to achieve the rosé colour. 

ABV (Alcohol by Volume): Approximately 12.5%. 

Scores:

94 Jeb Dunnuck

93 James Suckling

92 Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate

92 Wine Spectator

92 Decanter

92 Vinous

91 Wine Enthusiast