Sparkling Wines Champagne Billecart-Salmon - Brut Réserve

Viniou Reviews

The Billecart-Salmon Champagne Blanc de Noirs Brut Réserve is a non-vintage sparkling wine made exclusively from black-skinned grapes, chiefly Pinot Noir and occasionally Pinot Meunier, although each house’s precise blend may vary. This cuvée is the expression of the house’s finesse, focusing on the structure and fruit intensity derived from these varietals. Hand-harvested grapes undergo gentle pressing, followed by a cool fermentation and extended lees ageing, resulting in a cuvée that combines complexity, elegance, and freshness. The non-vintage aspect allows the house to blend reserve wines from multiple years, ensuring consistency in style and quality.

Billecart-Salmon is steeped in the rich tradition of the Champagne region, which lies in northeastern France. The area’s unique climate, with its cool temperatures and pronounced diurnal shifts, promotes a slow ripening of grapes, accentuating their natural acidity essential for top tier sparkling wines. The chalky soils of Champagne further contribute to this freshness, imparting a distinctive minerality and elegance. Champagne’s storied winemaking history, dating back centuries, is reflected in the meticulous craftsmanship seen in Billecart-Salmon’s cuvées.

The robust yet refined character of a Blanc de Noirs makes it a versatile food companion. Its vibrant acidity and delicate mousse marry beautifully with classic pairings like oysters or fresh shellfish, but its structure stands up well to duck breast or roast poultry. For a regional touch, try serving with Reims ham or a delicate Chaource cheese, both from the Champagne area. Its hints of red fruit and subtle toast lend themselves beautifully to dishes featuring mushrooms, poultry, or even lightly spiced Asian cuisine.

For optimal enjoyment, serve this Champagne well-chilled, ideally between 8-10°C. Use flute or tulip-shaped glasses to capture its brioche aromas and delicate bubbles. Take time to appreciate its effervescence and the elegant, lingering finish that is a mark of both terroir and refined winemaking.