Champagne Billecart-Salmon Vintage Brut 2013

Billecart‑Salmon's millésime bottlings showcase the character of a single harvest and are crafted only in years deemed exceptional. The 2013 Brut is composed of 62% Pinot Noir and 38% Chardonnay sourced from Premier and Grand Cru vineyards including Verzenay, Mareuil‑sur‑Ay and Chouilly. The cool, late 2013 growing season delivered grapes with concentrated acidity and aromatic purity. After gentle pressing, primary fermentation took place at low temperature in a mix of stainless steel tanks and small oak barrels; malolactic fermentation was partially blocked to retain tension. Following tirage, the wine spent almost nine years sur lie in the house's chalk cellars before riddling and disgorgement with a modest dosage. Bottled at 12% alcohol, the 2013 opens with a fine mousse, pale lemon colour and aromas of lemon zest, white flowers, hazelnut and brioche. On the palate it is precise and linear with a creamy mid‑palate, high acidity and a lingering, mineral finish. This vintage promises to age gracefully for a decade or more.

Tasting Profile

Aroma:

Hazelnut, Lemon, White Flowers

Palate:

Creamy, Mineral

Food Pairings:

Cheese

Dessert

Shellfish