Champagne, FranceChampagne Billecart-Salmon is one of the oldest original family-owned houses, founded in 1818 by the Billiard family, inhabitants of Mareuil-sur-Aÿ since the 16th century. One of their signatures is the use of double débourbage. After the standard clarification to settle the solids, they chill the juice down to 4C for 48 hours to achieve more pristine fruit. They own 15 ha of vineyards, rent a further 50+ha, and purchase from 100ha more, in addition to those holdings. Brut Reserve is 40 Pinot Meunier (from the Vallée de la Marne and the Coteaux Sud d'Epernay), 30 Pinot Noir (from the Montagne de Reims and the Grande Vallée de la Marne), and 30 Chardonnay (various villages in the Marne), with 9 g/L dosages, and a heady 60% reserve wines. Full and doughy on the medium-bodied, creamy palate, with summer strawberry brioche, lemon meringue flooding into a shimmery, chalky finish. There's a chiselled lift here that easily counters the pinots' dominance in this unusual meunier-led blend, embedding a freshness that extends this long on the palate. Classic, timeless, yet modern.Tasted: 01 November 2020Tasted by: Prices:
Champagne, FranceOne of the oldest still-family owned houses, this was founded 1818 by the Billiard family, who have lived in Mareuil-sur-Aÿ since the 16th century. Hence, their seating on the throne of Champagne royalty. One of their signatures, and a process they pioneered in Champagne, is the use of double débourbage. After the standard clarification to settle the solids, they chill the juice down to 4C for 48 hours in the aim of achieving more pristine fruit. They own 15 ha of vineyards, rent a further 50+ha and purchase from 100ha in addition to those holdings. The Brut Reserve is 40/30/30 pinot meunier/pinot noir/chardonnay with a 9 g/l dosage. Elegant, with a lightness that counters the full, doughy, creaminess on the palate with lemon meringue, strawberry essence, and fine crystalline lemon florals. Very lengthy finish, lingering with fine lemon zest and citrus blossoms.Tasted: 09 December 2017Tasted by: Prices:
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