Champagne Billecart-Salmon

Cuvée Nicolas François 2008

The Cuvée Nicolas François by Maison Billecart-Salmon was created in 1964 to honour its founder. The 2008 vintage is the result of blending the best grapes harvested from only villages classified Grand and Premier Cru (83% Grand Cru and 17% Premier Cru), among the most important ones: Äy, Verzenay and Mareuil-sur-Äy for Pinot Noir while Mesnil-on-Oger, Choully and Cramant for Chardonnay. 

2008 was an exceptional year, characterised by the quality and generosity of the harvest, the result of a meteorological balance combining sunshine and freshness. The aromatic concentration of the grapes, rigorously selected at optimal ripeness, is enhanced by the Maison‘s ancestral know-how. True to its style and experience, the Maison vinifies its wines at a low temperature. This vinification method, tried and tested by the Maison, gives their champagnes freshness and elegance. Vinification in stainless steel vats and in an average of 400 barrels over 15 years old, as well as in 26 foudres. Vinification in vats preserves the freshness and purity of the terroir, while vinification in oak (barrels or foudres) adds richness and depth to enhance the expression of the terroir.  

The 2008 vintage, the ageing for over 12 years on its lees and the low dosage (2.8 g/l) characterise the broad and generous character of a fine and elegant style, giving balance and maturity to this extraordinary Cuvée de Prestige.

The Cuvée Nicolas François 2008 presents itself to the eye with a beautiful golden yellow colour with luminous reflections. The crystalline and sparkling visual perception gives the effervescence a lift of finely chiselled bubbles. To the nose it reveals all the richness and subtlety of a complex yet refreshing aromatic curve. Fine and intense notes of forest fruits, combined with the characteristics of stone fruits and dried fruits (lightly toasted slivered almonds, frangipane, candied tangerine peel) and underlined by the brilliance of a floral persistence (acacia flower and rose petal). On the palate, a well-balanced tension is achieved by the wine’s richness (fresh yellow raspberry, fresh quince, honeyed biscuits and caviar lemon) and symbolised by the noble flavours (fresh fig, liquorice note and pigeon heart cherry). A structure with an affirmed personality and incredible power, controlled by the low and fully integrated dosage. The rare complexity of the finish leads to notes of toast and bergamot.

This great vintage of depth, tension and minerality, characterised by an elegant vinosity, will give you a signature interpretation of the Champagne style with guaranteed ageing potential.