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Wine Description
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 encounter with the Cuvée Nicolas François 2006 goes back to a tasting organised for my team. The idea was to introduce them to some exceptional wines but, in reality, it was me who was the most surprised by the marked personality of this champagne. There is a strength and a length on the palate, a power which is controlled and mastered in perfect balance. The Cuvée Nicolas François 2006 is an invitation on a journey and I particularly enjoy its combination with scallops, pan seared with hazelnut and ceps in a poultry stock. This dish is an obvious choice, so much so that it blends perfectly with the character traits, the strength and the power of the Cuvée Nicolas François. Your imagination carries you away onto a sailing boat, between land and sea, in the company of your very dearest friends. Such a cuvée should be decanted and served in wines glasses to open up and fully appreciate all of the aromas. It is the epitome of tasting an exceptional champagne. ”
Lionel Levy / Chef at the restaurant Alcyone*, Marseille
Vintage 2006
A cold winter and springtime frosts laid the foundations for this vintage of abundant yields (12,997 kg/ha). Uneventful flowering was followed by exceptionally hot and sunny weather, which lasted until August. A dank August left producers fearful but fortunately warm, bright conditions in September redressed the balance. Harvest commenced on September 9th, producing grapes high in sugar level but notably low on acidity. The general health of the grapes was sufficient, producing wines which excel over the preceding 2005 vintage, another warm and ample year. The year's greatest wines are supple and expressive and despite the richness they escape being overly heavy. Overt and welcoming upon launch, the best come with excellent capacity for ageing. Winey, and richly fruity characters, most Champagnes regrettably miss some tension and finesse. Wines of the vintage include Taittinger Comtes de Champagne, Krug Vintage and Dom Pérignon Rosé.
