Champagne Billecart-Salmon Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru

Enjoy it now, or cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant before serving. A 100% Chardonnay Blanc de Blancs, this wine was assembled from the four Grand Cru vineyards of the Côte des Blancs. It exhibits a rare nose of strong minerals, white flowers, and buttered bread, evolving into stronger hints of orchard fruits and citrus. Founded in 1818 after the marriage between Nicolas François Billecart and Elisabeth Salmon, this is one of the oldest-running family wineries in Champagne. A 100-year-old chestnut tree on the property has seen seven generations of winemakers pass through, and the family’s reputation has still not diminished. The grapes are sourced from a 20km radius around the village of Epernay, and the winery itself can be found in Mareuil-sur-Aÿ. In the glass, this Blanc de Blancs is beautiful golden yellow, with windows of green. Its fine bubbles evoke the texture of meringue in the mouth, with flavours of lemongrass, citrus zest, white stone fruits, and brioche. On the finish, a saline minerality shines through. It is an extra Brut, so it is stunningly dry and was aged on the lees for 5 years before release. This Champagne is perfect for pairing with caviar, ceviche, or soft cheese.

Price: £79.93 from 8wines UK