Billecart-SalmonNicolasFrancoisBillecart2002Magnum

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 was created in 1964 as a tribute to the House’s co-founder Nicolas-François Billecart who married Elisabeth Salmon in 1818. The 20% maturation in 15 year-old traditional oak barrels underpins the generous character of this fine, elegant and rich champagne.rrWeather: A stunning year, 2002 began with a cold winter and a mild, late spring. This led to a bright and sunny start to the summer months, which brought on early flowering. The summer months consisted of very hot days combined with cooler nights which helped the grapes gain a great acidity and show an abundance of fruits. Generally considered the best vintage of the last two decades.rrTechnical Information:rVineyards: 100% Grand Cru Vineyards: Pinot Noir: Montagne de Reims, and Chardonnay: Côte des BlancsrGrape Varieties: 60% Pinot Noir, 40% ChardonnayrDisgorged: Spring 2017rDosage: 4 g/lrDrink: Now to 2030rrTasting Note: Yellow gold with a fine bead of bubbles. The aromatics are a combination of dried fruits and hints of almond nuts. On the palate a well-balanced acidity with vibrant fruit flavours and slight hints of caramel and apples. A real stunner right through to the finish.