NV Henri Billiot Grand Cru Brut Ros, Champagne, France – 1.5L MAG

ABOUT THIS WINE

100% of these grapes come from the Ambonnay Grand Cru; one of the best grand cru sites in Montagne de Reims. A blend of 80% pinot noir and 20% chardonnay then 10% red wine from pinot noir. From a blend of 3 vintages; 2017, 2016, and 2015. The wine was aged in stainless steel and sees 36 months on lees. Disgorgement date was October 2020.

ABOUT THIS PRODUCER

Laetitia Billiot is the fourth generartion to estate bottle Champagnes at this domaine in the Grand Cru Village of Ambonnay. Her Great Grandfather Louis Billiot bottled small amounts of wine, but it was his son and Laetitias Grandfather Henri that created estate today. Laetitias father Serge took over in 1954 quickly establishing himself as a top producer, producing a range of wines from his Grand Cru holdings in Ambonnay. Today, Laetitia continues the tradition, working 5 hectares in Ambonnay. Of the 18 parcels that Billiot works, all but one of them are mid slope, in the most desirable sections of this famous village. The wines of Ambonnay are very vinous, with a lot of strength, says Laetitia Billiot,but they are also very fine, with delicacy and finesse. They stay fresh fora long time.

The wines are pressed in traditional vertical basket presses and vinified in stainless steel, Apart from one barrel fermented vintage wine, called Cuvee Julie. The wines dont see Malo: We have 100-percent grand cru vines, which always give a high degree of maturity, so we dont need the malo. Says Laetitia. The wines are also never stabilized or filtered prior to bottling.