Champagne. The word alone inspires excitement and elegance, but the history, art and traditions of the region are often overlooked and sometimes even sullied by the blanket use of the word Champagne being applied to any wine with bubbles. There are many houses that have been in the Champagne region since the seventeenth century discovery of the effervescence, all still adhering to the laws and painstaking process to create and continually improve this illustrious wine. 

Billecart-Salmon is one of the last few family owned Champagne houses in France. Most are now owned by larger conglomerates. The Billecart-Salmon family has lived in Mareuil-sur-Ay, located in the middle of the Champagne region, since the 16th century. In 1818, Nicolas Francois Billecart married Elisabeth Salmon and founded the house of Billecart-Salmon, now the oldest continuously family owned and operated house in Champagne. Brothers Francois and Antoine Roland-Billecart are the seventh generation running the House and are currently bringing in new techniques to continue to adhere to their House motto: “Give priority to quality, strive for excellence”.

Each Champagne House in the region has a “Chef de Cave” or a master blender that is responsible for creating a consistent blend from the still wines that represent their house style. Champagne styles can range from light bodied all the way to a full bodied richness. Think Perrier-Jouët as an example of a light bodied Champagne and Krug or Veuve Clicquot as a fuller bodied example. Billecart-Salmon’s chosen house style is a light to medium bodied Champagne emphasizing freshness, finesse and elegance. Their Brut Reserve uses a larger percentage than most houses of Pinot Meunier, the third and often unsung hero in the trio of Champagne, along with Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

Billecart-Salmon Brut Reserve is the perfect balance of elegance and freshness. The floral notes along with apple and fresh pear are detected on the nose while the brioche and toast characteristics of Champagne are slightly hinted at on the palate. The minerality and acidity keep the style of the House consistent throughout. 

Enjoy this wine to toast at your favorite restaurant’s re-opening with oysters, shrimp…or really anything at this point!