Billecart-Salmon has been around since 1818, and was named after its founders, Nicolas Francois Billecart and Elisabeth Salmon, in the village of Mareuil-sur-Ay. About 100 years later, during WWI, many of the buildings (and bottles) were lost and the house was determined to rebuild. In the 1950s, part of this rebuilding process included a quality overhaul, instituted by Jean Roland-Billecart who was at the helm at the time. The commitment to quality would be the guiding principle behind the brand, and its legacy for centuries to come.

Today, over 200 years after its founding, we know Billecart-Salmon as one of the most famous names of Champagne. To us, it just seems like it’s been around in the U.S. forever. But that wasn’t always the case. It was actually importer Neal Rosenthal’s persistence that landed the brand in the States. In 1979, he found Billecart through another importer, but eventually thought that he might lose grasp of the brand, so he trekked to Billecart’s hometown to ask for more of the wine to distribute. The ask was successful, and so begins the story of Billecart’s U.S. popularity. 

Seven generations of the Billecart family have led the house, currently led by Mathieu Roland-Billecart. He oversees about 11 different Champagne cuvees, including four prestige cuvees in the line, crafted in some of the most immaculate and stunning facilities, vineyards, and caves you could ever imagine. There is a precision here that borders on the fanatical, and the consistency of the house – and its series of wines – that might just be the envy of all of Champagne. And yet, it’s the Rosé Extra Brut, that Jean Roland-Billecart established that is, perhaps, the most popular wine of the entire line, and a benchmark for what rosé Champagne should and could be. 

Rosé Champagne was not always a popular category. It was once relegated to the lowliest and most disrespected styles of Champagne. But Jean truly believed that it could be transformed into something great. So in 1970, he created a salmon-hued Champagne that demonstrated subtle notes of red berries and freshness. This wine is now considered to be the brand’s flagship cuvee. Though it is a non-vintage cuvee, this release's cepage is 45% chardonnay, 35% pinot noir vinified as red wine, and 20% pinot meunier, all based on the 2020 vintage. I cannot tell you how good this is, but then again, you probably already know, as this is one of the most popular Champagnes around!

The first thing that’s intoxicating about this wine is its color. It’s pale and the color of a healthy salmon filet that shows effervescence beautifully. On the nose, there’s an essence of florality that’s accompanied by raspberries and wild strawberries and lemon-lime zest that makes the freshness factor pop. And in the mouth, the wine is something else. The acid profile is perfect, and there’s a tactility that I don’t think I’ve ever experienced in any other wine. I feel like the wine almost dances on my tongue – and you’ll experience that too, when you drink it! Wild strawberries and raspberries are repeated here on the palate, and I can’t get enough of it. It’s mouth watering yet creamy at the same time. The contrasts are part of what makes this wine a crowd pleaser. And with only 4.7 grams per liter of dosage, the sensation of fruit purity is palpable. It’s just great. NOW is the time to get this. This Champagne’s price has risen steadily over the last few years, and you’d be hard pressed to find it for under $100. Thankfully, we’ve got a GREAT relationship with the importer – and the house – so we’ve negotiated a stunningly good deal for you. These are sure to fly, as they always do, so start stocking up for your holiday celebrations, for this price is certainly something worth toasting!