Champagne Billecart-Salmon has been a family affair since Nicolas François Billecart and Elisabeth Salmon got married in 1818. And it hasn’t changed since, with Mathieu Roland-Billecart, the 7th generation of the family, at the helm of the House today. Honouring that family spirit, Louis-Salmon Blanc de Blancs 2009 – named after Elisabeth’s brother – is a 100 per cent chardonnay prestige cuvée that pays homage to the first winemaker of the Maison.

Originating exclusively from the best plots of the Côte des Blancs – the entirely white-grape appellation located to the south of Épernay – this wine is the perfect expression of the region’s chalky and acidic soil embodying minerality, finesse and elegance. With its buttery mouthfeel, Louis-Salmon 2009 delights, revealing unexpected botanic charm contrasted with notes of marzipan, white pepper and an elegant nuttiness. Vivacious and refreshing, the wine character is noble, assuring an enduring and sparkling effervescence.

Nestled in the leafy Vallée de la Marne, the Billecart-Salmon domain is housed in the picturesque village of Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, the founding family’s hometown. The vineyards, however, reach an extension of over 300 hectares, from the Côte des Blancs to the Montagne de Reims. The distinguished estate sits on top of the historical wine cellars.

Over two kilometres of chalk tunnels dating back to the 17^th century house the Billecart-Salmon wine cellars, where the process of ageing and maturation take place, bringing the wine to its fullest complexity.

Available from independent wine merchants; RRP: £145;
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