Billecart-SalmonElisabethSalmonRose2012Magnum

Champagne Billecart-Salmon was founded in 1818 following the marriage of Nicolas-François Billecart and Elisabeth Salmon. Located in Mareuil-sur-Aÿ near Épernay, the House remains family-owned, today led by seventh-generation Mathieu Roland-Billecart.rrChef de Cave François Domi retired in 2016 after 30 years, succeeded by Florent Nys, who joined in 2005. Vineyard management is overseen by Denis Blée. Together with sixth-generation François Roland-Billecart and Antoine Roland-Billecart, they form part of the seven-member tasting committee guiding the House style.rrIn the 1950s, Jean Roland-Billecart pioneered low-temperature fermentation in stainless steel â€?now a hallmark preserving fruit freshness. Today, wines are fermented in stainless steel, temperature-controlled large oak casks, small oak barrels, or a combination, depending on the cuvée.rrBy 2020, production drew on 300 hectares: 100 hectares estate-owned and certified organic in 2025; 100 hectares under contract (herbicides and chemical fertilisers eliminated in 2019); and 100 hectares from grower partners. The vineyards span 40 crus, mostly within 20 km of the winery. In 2017, the House achieved High Environmental Value certification.rBillecart-Salmon’s exceptional prestige cuvée rosé was created in 1988 as a tribute to the House’s co-founder. Less than 10% of the Pinot Noir is vinified as red wine. The grapes used to make the red wine are from Valofroy, a plot of old vines on the slopes of Mareuil-sur-Aÿ with a southern exposure. Billecart-Salmon Elisabeth Salmon Rosé is not always released in chronological order, but rather when head winemaker François Domi believes it is ready for release.rrWeather: The 2012 weather has been hallmarked by many as very challenging but has created some stunning Champagne. Relatively low yields due to various weather conditions throughout the year. The winter months brought some frosts and hail which damaged the early stages of bud burst. August and September were very warm and this helped rescue and give the grapes a stunning maturity. rrTechnical Information:rVineyards: 100% Grand & Premier Cru | Pinot Noir: Mareuil-sur-Ay, Ay & Ambonnay | Chardonnay: Chouilly, Avize, Mesnil-sur-Oger & Cramant | Red Wine: Mareuil-sur-Aÿ with southern exposurerGrape Varieties: 55%Chardonnay, 45% Pinot Noir | inc. 10% Red WinerVinified: Stainless Steel & 2.90% of the wines are vinified in oak casksrLees Ageing: 10 yearsrDisgorged: February 2023rDosage: 3.8 g/lrDrink: Now to 2035rrTasting Note: Hints of red berry fruit, ginger, spice, rosewater, mint and crushed flowers. There is a feeling of classic austerity that runs through the 2012. Chalk, mint, white pepper and bright saline accents linger on the pointed finish.