Champagne Billecart-Salmon was founded with the marriage of Nicolas-François Billecart and Elisabeth Salmon in 1818. Situated in the village of Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, near Epernay. Champagne Billecart-Salmon is still a family-run organisation with seventh generation Mathieu Roland-Billecart overseeing business. In 2016 Chef de Cave François Domi retired after 30 years with Billecart and handed over to his deputy Florent Nys who started with the business in 2005. The vineyards are overseen by Denis Blée and all of the team are members of the eight strong "tasting committee" along with 6th generation François Roland-Billecart and Antoine Roland-Billecart and fifth generation Jean Roland-Billecart. By 2020 production had expanded with grapes now coming from 300 hectares and 40 crus mostly within 20 kms of the winery.

This unique release celebrates 200 years of Billecart-Salmon independence and family savoir-faire since 1818. Bicentenary Cuvée 200 is a multi-vintage blend of four exceptional harvests: 2000, 2003, 2008 and 2012. In tribute to the foundation year, just 1,818 magnums and 18 Jeroboams were produced.

The blend constitutes wine heralded from eight Grand Crus in the Montagne de Reims and Côte des Blancs, 50% of which were vinified in oak barrel. The champagne is Pinot Noir dominant in order to reflect the ‘old rose’ fragrance that is typical of Billecart-Salmon's famous Clos St-Hilaire, as well as the founders’ cuvées Nicolas François and Elisabeth Salmon.

Bicentenary Cuvée 200 is a powerful statement from Billecart- Salmon, representing a move away from their tradition of releasing wines that have been perfectly matured and are ready to drink, as this special bicentenary release will benefit from longer ageing.

Technical Information:
Vineyards: 100% Grand Cru | Montagne de Reims, Côte des Blancs
Grape Varieties: 92% Pinot Noir, 4% Chardonnay, 4% Meunier
Dosage: 4.5 g/l
Drink: Now to 2030

Tasting Note: Hints of pale gold with yellow glints with aromas of floral and orchard in abundance with a zesty freshness. The palate is broad and dense with a finely balanced acidity. Gentle citrus and orange throughout with a long lingering finish.

Champagne Billecart-Salmon was founded with the marriage of Nicolas-François Billecart and Elisabeth Salmon in 1818. Situated in the village of Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, near Epernay, the House were forced to sell most of their vineyards during the difficulties of the early 20th century and today their 15 hectares cover a small proportion of their production needs. To finance their recovery 45% of the business was sold to Frey Group a local investor whose vast resources aid greatly in the sourcing of grapes. By 2020 production had expanded with grapes now coming from 300 hectares and 40 crus mostly within 20 kms of the winery. Still a family-run organisation, seventh generation Mathieu Roland-Billecart oversees business. In 2016 Chef de Cave François Domi retired after 30 years with Billecart and handed over to his deputy Florent Nys who started with the business in 2005. The vineyards are overseen by Denis Blée and all of the team are members of the eight strong "tasting committee" along with 6th generation François Roland-Billecart and Antoine Roland-Billecart and fifth generation Jean Roland-Billecart.

The House style is intensely bright and fruity with an increasingly oxidative tone brought about by the recent re-introduction of oak. The Billecart-Salmon portfolio is vast but they are perhaps best known for their prestige cuvées, Cuvée Nicolas-François and Cuvée Elisabeth Salmon Rosé. In 1999, Cuvée Nicolas-François 1959 was awarded 'Champagne of the Millennium' by a committee of experts at a blind tasting session involving 150 vintages from the most illustrious champagne producers. The jewel of the estate however, is the single-vineyard champagne Clos Saint Hilare: a monstrously powerful cuvée originating from a single Pinot Noir plot sheltered by a wall of stone.

Cellar Master: Florent Nys
Winery Location: Mareuil-sur-Aÿ | Champagne, France
Champagne Region: Vallée de la Marne
Annual Production (bottles): 2,000,000