# Billecart-Salmon Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru (NV)

- **Producer:** Billecart-Salmon
- **Colour:** white
- **Type:** sparkling
- **Grapes:** Chardonnay
- **Region:** Champagne, France
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 12.0%
- **Average price:** €110
- **Contains sulphites:** No
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 8–10 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** white blossom, lemon, green apple, pear, biscuit, cream, brioche, butter, pastry, hazelnut, honey, almond

## About this wine

The Billecart-Salmon Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru is a Non-Vintage sparkling wine from Champagne, France, made exclusively from 100% Chardonnay grapes. It originates from Grand Cru vineyards in the Côte des Blancs, including villages such as Avize, Chouilly, Cramant, Mesnil-sur-Oger, and Oger, known for their chalky soils. Billecart-Salmon, established in 1818, is a historic, family-owned house that has maintained its independence through seven generations, emphasizing elegance and precision in its winemaking. This particular cuvée is distinguished by its purity of Chardonnay, its freshness, structure, and finesse, often described as having a creamy texture and pronounced minerality.

## Interesting facts

- Family-owned for over 200 years.
- Vineyards are herbicide-free.
- Some vineyards are in organic conversion.
- Known for its 'poet's champagne' quality.

## Food pairing

The wine's high acidity and minerality cut through the richness of seafood and fatty elements, while its delicate fruit notes complement lighter proteins. The saline finish of the wine harmonizes beautifully with the briny character of oysters and caviar.

## Wine making process

The Billecart-Salmon Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru is produced using 100% Chardonnay grapes sourced from Grand Cru villages in the Côte des Blancs. Vinification involves fermentation, with a portion of the wine undergoing fermentation in used Burgundy oak barrels, and partial malolactic fermentation. The wine is then aged on lees for an extended period, typically 4 to 5 years, followed by further bottle aging before disgorgement. The house adheres to sustainable viticultural practices, including being herbicide-free and pursuing organic conversion in some vineyards.