In conversation with…

In conversation with...

Mathieu Billecart, CEO Champagne Billecart-Salmon

Location

Mareuil-sur-Aÿ Champagne France

Est.

1818

Size

100 Hectares, (247 Acres)

Varietals

Pinot Noir,

Pinot Meunier

Chardonnay

Bottles p.a

c. 2 million

INTRO

Billecart-Salmon is a medium-sized champagne house in Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, France. Founded in 1818 with the marriage of Nicolas François Billecart and Elisabeth Salmon and one of the few family owned champagne houses.

The Cuvée Nicolas-Francois Billecart 1959 (one of their flagship wines ) won first place in the Champagne of the Millennium 1999, out of 150 of the finest 20th century Champagnes.Billecart-Salmon was ranked tenth among major Champagne houses by Antoine Gerbelle writing for La Revue du vin de France. La Revue du vin de France’s Guide Vert awards Billecart-Salmon two stars out of three.

Billecart-Salmon champagnes have been reviewed favourably by wine writer Jancis Robinson and other such global wine critics. More importantly it is loved by those in the wine industry, by consumers and around the world for its elegance, finesse and delicate nature.

The interviews below are merely to highlight the character and responses of the houses themselves. They are not meant to be hi-brow or deeply technical. If they were that would be boring. Here you get a flavour of how big, how small and wines each producer makes. Links will take you to the producers web pages.

The Interview

GW: Is 2018 a year worth investing (based on what you’ve seen since harvesting) or is it too early to tell .

MB : It certainly looks like a very promising year but one has to remain humble with wine so we will only confirm in a few years when we understand better whether its potential stands the test of time…

GW SIP Name a wine you are drinking now .

MB: Brut Sous Bois, a big champagne that is great for apéritif but also with food (without having to open a bottle of vintage champagne)

GW: SAVE Name a wine you would invest in or haven’t tried, but want to !

MB: Vintage Champagnes from good houses or growers are under rated relative to Burgundy, Bordeaux, etc… That will change I think as connoisseurs from around the world are starting to recognise it… it is my wine investment tip. Just choose the vintage and houses/growers carefully and you will be rewarded quicker than you think.

In conversation with…