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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
Vintage 2007
An unusually warm spring led to early flowering and initial optimism, which soon gave way to disappointment following one of the murkiest summers on record. Overall, 2007 was a difficult vintage saved by last-minute sunshine in late-August. Mildew and rot were the main culprits of the harvest, and the level of gluconic acid rocketed. The harvest began early, on August 24th, and was abundant in volume averaging 14,242 kg/ha. Pinot Meunier posed the biggest problems and Chardonnay clearly outperformed the rest. Many of the iconic prestige cuvée blanc de blancs were successfully produced, such as Taittinger Comtes de Champagne, Ruinart Dom Ruinart, Billecart-Salmon Cuvée Louis and Salon Le Mesnil. Some blended prestige cuvées such as Louis Roederer Cristal and Philipponnat Clos des Goisses were also made. Champagnes from 2007 are typically high in acidity and restrainedly classic in style, but lack the spine and strength of the greatest harvest years. Even if the vintage only receives three stars, its best Chardonnays are well worth seeking and storing.
