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Viinin Kuvailu
The Story
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.
This prestigious cuvée, created in 1964 as a homage to the founder of the Champagne house, is the result of an assembly which has remained unchanged since its creation. The vinification, partially in traditional barrels, asserts a well-rounded and generous character, favouring a subtle and natural elegance.
The graceful charm that endears Billecart is on full display in this calm, effortless and yet profoundly confident cuvée. Pinot noir assumes a glorious lead in a magnificent display of red berry and cherry fruits, seamlessly fused to the bright lemon and pink grapefruit cut of magnificent chardonnay acidity. The pronounced chalk minerality that shines so brightly in the graceful Billecart style surges long and strong through a finish of mesmerising persistence.
Formulation: 79% grand crus and 21% premier crus; 60% pinot noir from the premier and grand crus of the Montagne de Reims and Grande Vallée de la Marne, 40% chardonnay from the Côte des Blancs; 15% vinified in oak barrels; aged 10 years on lees; 6g/L dosage; cork.
• 60% Pinot Noir from the Premiers and Grands Crus from the Montagne de Reims and the Grande Vallée de la Marne
• 40% Chardonnay from the Côte des Blancs
- • Dosage: 6 g/l
- • 5% vinified in oak barrels
- • Partial malolactic fermentation
- • Ageing on lees: 10 years
- • Available formats: bottle
- • Ageing potential: more than 10 year
Wine Information
My first experience with Maison Billecart-Salmon is still etched into my memory – that was over 25 years ago. A discovery for my senses, an encounter which has always been able evoke intensity and emotion. As such, with the Cuvée Nicolas François 2002, I was immediately captured by the quality of the wine and by its elegance. It is a delicately sensual cuvee with a discreet voluptuousness. It is distinguished by its crystalline elegance and its great finesse. I associate it with the elegance of a great and accomplished perfume. A beautiful and unique wine which stands the test of time without losing its divine singularity. For me, the ideal pairing with the Cuvée Nicolas François 2002 is a signature dish which is served on the restaurant menu: L’Opulante Pintade de Chalosse sur les Braises (an opulent braised Chalosse Guinea Fowl), accompanied by a lamb rice stuffing, morels, quenelles and truffles. A perfect pairing and a delicate moment to share with knowledgeable people who understand how to appreciate the finer things, with sensitive people who are open to beauty as the beauty is also in the taste!
Michel Guérard, Chef at the Restaurant Les Prés d’Eugénie***, Eugénie-les-Bains
Vuosikerta 2002
A cold winter and a mild late spring cued for a perfect June allowing early and fast flowering. Outstanding weather conditions prevailed and the season went on without dramatic turns. Rains in August raised concerns regarding gray rot, but finally sunshine and dry conditions throughout September resulted in an abundant crop of largely healthy fruit (11,930 kg/ha). Dehydration due to wind further aided in achieving perfect ripeness and additional concentration. This, and the cool nights, helped in retaining fresh acidity and, despite the ripeness (10.3% potential alcohol), the wines did not suffer from heaviness or a lack of life. A near-perfect vintage, which produced balanced Champagnes consistently around the region. The best show an impeccable combination of freshness, power, structure and finesse. However, some have matured aromatically quicker than expected and are already past their peak. 2002 produced an abundance of spectacular champagnes, such as Dom Pérignon (the entire range), Krug Vintage and Clos du Mesnil, Piper-Heidsieck Rare, Louis Roederer Cristal and Cristal Rosé, Ruinart Dom Ruinart and Dom Ruinart Rosé, Salon Le Mesnil and Taittinger Comtes de Champagne, to name a few.
