Billecart-Salmon

Billecart-Salmon’s cellar practice starts with a broad but defined vineyard base: 100 hectares of estate vines within a total 300-hectare supply area across 40 Champagne crus. Most grapes come from within roughly 20 kilometres of Épernay. That range makes parcel identity and blending decisions consequential at the house in Mareuil-sur-Aÿ.

Oak alongside stainless steel

The house’s current chais page counts more than 400 small and 24 large oak casks across its two chais. Each parcel is vinified individually, and low-temperature work in both oak and stainless steel is part of the approach. The vessels are tools for preparing base wines; a bottle’s exact blend and oak use depend on the cuvée.

Two blends, two purposes

Le Rosé combines Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Meunier; its published 2020-based blend is 45/35/20. Nicolas François 2012 is a different wine, with 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay and a portion vinified in oak. Reading those figures by cuvée keeps the house’s method precise. The family history reaches back to the 1818 marriage of Nicolas François Billecart and Elisabeth Salmon.