Champagne H. Billiot et Fils Brut Tradition Ambonnay Grand Cru NV

Louis Billiot is the original Billiot name tied to the H. Billiot Champagne maison, who used to make and bottle his own wine. But his son, Henri, is who the domaine is named after. Henri’s son, Serge, took the reins in 1954 and created the estate as we know it today. Laetitia Billiot, Henri’s granddaughter, is now the fourth-generation vigneron at the helm of the H. Billiot et Fils estate. Today, Laetitia upholds the traditions set by her forebears.

Laetitia farms 18 parcels of five hectares in the village of Ambonnay. They sit on the coveted mid-slope orientation of Ambonnay’s rolling hills. In the winery, the wines are pressed in basket presses and then vinified in stainless-steel. Laetitia eschews malo since she believes that the Grand Cru fruit inherently gives a sophistication and phenolic maturity to the wine, making it ready to drink anytime you’re ready. That, in my opinion, is a testament to fine winemaking.

The cepage here is 75% pinot noir and 25% chardonnay. You must remember that even though Ambonnay is a primarily pinot noir village, there is a small amount of chardonnay that grows here as well, and when used thoughtfully such as this – added complexity and nuance can be increased in even the estate’s more modest cuvees. And, while this is certainly modest in the great price we scored…the quality is of a far higher caliber! Cherries and rose petals immediately come to the fore on the nose, and ginger, anise, and a mouthwatering acidity on the palate. The wine is muscular and strong, but not overwhelming, making for an interesting contrast on the tongue and in the mouth. I really enjoy this wine and I’m both sad and secretly thrilled that more people don’t know about it. How else could we score such a fine deal on this fantastic Champagne? Load up for yourself, share it with friends, but don’t go blabbing too recklessly…I wouldn’t want this secret to get out! This is one tasty bubbly with a long and prestigious heritage, but a great value, too. I hope you like it as much as I do!