Billecart-Salmon Cuvée 200 1.5L

Family run since the 19th century, the Billecart Champagne house delivers large number of bottles which are always well made and of the highest quality. Champagne Billecart-Salmon was founded with the marriage of Nicolas-François Billecart and Elisabeth Salmon in 1818. Situated in the village of Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, near Epernay. Champagne Billecart-Salmon is still a family-run organisation with seventh generation Mathieu Roland-Billecart overseeing business. In 2016 Chef de Cave François Domi retired after 30 years with Billecart and handed over to his deputy Florent Nys who started with the business in 2005. The vineyards are overseen by Denis Blée and all of the team are members of the eight strong “tasting committee” along with 6th generation François Roland-Billecart and Antoine Roland-Billecart and fifth generation Jean Roland-Billecart. By 2020 production had expanded with grapes now coming from 300 hectares and 40 crus mostly within 20 kms of the winery. This unique release celebrates 200 years of Billecart-Salmon independence and family savoir-faire since 1818. Bicentenary Cuvée 200 is a multi-vintage blend of four exceptional harvests: 2000, 2003, 2008 and 2012. In tribute to the foundation year, just 1,818 magnums and 18 Jeroboams were produced. The blend constitutes wine heralded from eight Grand Crus in the Montagne de Reims and Côte des Blancs, 50% of which were vinified in oak barrel. The champagne is Pinot Noir dominant in order to reflect the ‘old rose’ fragrance that is typical of Billecart-Salmon’s famous Clos St-Hilaire, as well as the founders’ cuvées Nicolas François and Elisabeth Salmon. Appearance: Pale gold colour intensity, draped with a bright luminosity with golden yellow tinges. A persistent and abundant finesse of bubbles evolving in a disciplined and energetic way Aroma: A noble and racy expression of a chiselled complexity towards floral notes, orchard fruits and slightly roasted dried fruits (carnation, Williams pear and just roasted hazelnuts). A natural and vibrant sparkle evolving towards scents of citrus zest (lemon caviar and kalamansi) Palate: An ample and dense tension where the texture slowly reveals itself under a controlled and exhilarating acidity. The mid-palate offers a distinguished balance, vinous, almost salty, under the gustatory impact of careful maturing (vine shoots and blond tobacco) Food Pairing: This exceptional cuvée will enchant your taste buds when paired with fine vegetable ravioli, creamy celery with Cévennes chestnuts Bicentenary Cuvée 200 is a powerful statement from Billecart- Salmon, representing a move away from their tradition of releasing wines that have been perfectly matured and are ready to drink, as this special bicentenary release will benefit from longer ageing. The Finer Details Style – Champagne Varietal – Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier Country – France Region – Champagne Vintage – 2000, 2003, 2008 and 2012 Bottle Size – 1.5L Magnum ABV – 12.5%