Billecart-Salmon Brut Vintage 2008 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.
From its establishment in 1818, the house has seen a seamless transition of leadership through six successive generations, and today, the seventh generation has assumed control, guiding its course into the future. With the aim to promote biodiversity, the house has long been committed to manage the vineyards diligently, upholding a profound commitment to environmental preservation and sustainability. One of the key dates of their profound achievements would be year 2017, when they are being certified High Environmental Value and Sustainable Viticulture in Champagne. Through the continue application of sustainable practice, Maison Billecart-Salmon is actively promoting the significance of certification among its partner winegrowers through its certification collective, fostering awareness and understanding. As of 2021, an impressive 75% of its supplies proudly hold the VDC certification. In terms of achieving the label of High Environmental Value, the house has successfully reached the highest level - Level 3 with all four indicators : biodiversity, fertilization, phytosanitary protection and water management.
The 2008 vintage of the Billecart Salmon Brut is dosed as an Extra-Brut. Following 9 years of cellar aging, this champagne is intense and alluring.
Categorically the finest Extra Brut ever conceived, this is a cuvée of laser line and immortal structure that rejoices in the lightning energy of 2008 and the exacting precision engineering that is Billecart. A glowing, medium straw hue is a dazzling prelude to its scintillating purity and drive, cut with magnificent acid line and high-tensile chalk structure. The distinguished, north-east facing slopes of Verzy and Verzenay take a delightfully fragrant and pure lead, presenting white cherry and strawberry hull that ring out in clear peals like church bells. Age has done nothing to evolve its pitch-perfect high notes, lending just the most subtle nuance of fresh almond. A cuvée to age for another 20 years at least – and it will live effortlessly for 50. In sheer, breathtaking purity, monumental chalk minerality, endless longevity – not to mention ludicrous affordability – Extra Brut 2008 is one of the champagne buys of the decade. - Tyson Stelzer, 2021 Champagne Guide, 97 Points.
The Finer Details
Style - Champagne
Varietal - Pinot Noir 65%, Chardonnay 35%
Country - France
Region - Champagne
Vintage - 2008
Bottle Size - 1.5L
ABV - 12%