Billecart-Salmon Vintage 2008 Magnum (1.5L) Champagne

– The much anticipated release of the 2008 vintage in a magnum

– Exclusive to Emperor (only a few remain in the country)

– Pair with… time. The magnum can be cellared another 10 years.

A taut and seductive tactile pleasure (citrus zest, seeded white flesh fruit and Breton biscuits). The wine offers a persistent finish with a structure defined by the quality of its potential as a great vintage.

This stunning wine, with an extra brut dosage, is dominated by great Pinot Noir flavours which is tempered by the elegance of the Chardonnay from the Cte des Blancs. The blend of cuve has been made with a strong dominance of Grands Crus Pinot Noir.

A delicious fruit intensity with elegant lemony citrus notes and nuts (flaked almonds, Menton lemons). There is a long and nuanced sensory development centred around exquisite hints of patisseries (raw butter, Mirabelle plum jelly).

It promises a subtle richness of flavours and an ageing potential worthy of a great vintage champagne.

About the house

“The mark of Billecart is made not by the heavy foot all of concentration, power and presence, but rather by the fairy touch of delicacy and crystal/clear fidelity.”
– Tyson Stelzer, The Champagne Guide.

One of the leading families of Champagne, this medium sized, high quality domain is one to be admired. Billecart-Salmon (Pronounced beel-kahr sahl-moh) have a fresh, clean and elegant style. They champion the use of the meunier grape which is often added to other cuvees without fanfare in other houses. The absolutely pristine wine making facilities located in Mareuil-Sur-A are overseen by multiple generations of the family as well as chef winemaker Francois Domi. The house purposely ferments at a lower temperature elongating the ferment to weeks and not days as can be standard in champagne, which helps capture the pristine nature of the fruit. Every step of the wine making process at the house is artful, right down to the precision of the dosage which is unique for every disgorgement conducted in batches.

Technical details

65% Pinot Noir from the Montagne de Reims and the Grande Valle de la Marne (Mareuil-sur-A and A)

35% Chardonnay from the Cte des Blancs (Avize, Cramant, Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, Oger, Chouilly and Vertus)

Vinification in stainless steel tanks

Ageing on lees: 9 years

Extra Brut Dosage : 4 g/l

Vinification in stainless steel tanks

Partial malolactic fermentation

Reviews

Categorically the finest Extra Brut ever conceived, this is a cuvee of laser line and immortal structure that rejoices in the lightning energy of 2008 and the exacting precision engineering that is Billecart.

A glowing, medium straw hue is a dazzling prelude to its scintillating purity and drive, cut with magnificent acid line and high-tensile chalk structure. The distinguished, north-east facing slopes of Verzy and Verzenay take a delightfully fragrant and pure lead, presenting white cherry and strawberry hull that ring out in clear peals like church bells.

Age has done nothing to evolve its pitch-perfect high notes, lending just the most subtle nuance of fresh almond. A cuvee to age for another 20 years at least and it will live effortlessly for 50.

In sheer, breathtaking purity, monumental chalk minerality, endless longevity not to mention ludicrous affordability Extra Brut 2008 is one of the champagne buys of the decade. Rated 97 points by Tyson Stelzer

Food Pairing

Enjoy with exceptional fish dishes, shellfish, the finest hams or a rich risotto. Serve at: 11-12C