Billecart-Salmon : Cuvee Elisabeth Salmon Rose 2008

A great vintage with a rare mineral dimension and alluring aromas

The estate

Since its creation in 1818 by Elisabeth Salmon and Nicolas-François Billecart, the Billecart-Salmon Champagne House has remained independently-owned. The house has successfully preserved its wealth of know-how and the high quality of its vintages for 7 generations.

The vineyard

The Billecart-Salmon vineyard stretches from the Côte des Blancs to the Montagne de Reims and covers almost 100 hectares. The vines are cultivated and cared for in a traditional manner in order to best showcase the authentic expression of the fruit and to reflect the high quality of the Champagne terroir. The Elisabeth Salmon 2008 cuvée is composed of 76% Grands Crus and 24% Premiers Crus. This Champagne wine is made up of 55% Pinot Noir from the Montagne de Reims and the Grande Vallée de la Marne and 45% Chardonnay from the Côte des Blancs.

The wine

This Elisabeth Salmon champagne truly pays tribute to the co-founder of the House. The soul of this extraordinary woman is reflected in this champagne, that boasts a unique character and an unparalleled brilliance and purity. Moreover, the expression of the finest Pinot Noir and Chardonnay terroirs completes the signature style of this great wine that is shaped by the house’s world-renowned know-how. Regarding the 2008 vintage, the Elisabeth Salmon cuvée showcases a new design.

Vinification and ageing

9% of the Pinot Noir in this cuvée is vinified as red wine. The grapes stem from Valofroy, a parcel in Mareuil-sur-Aÿ made up of old, south-facing sloping vines. 17% of the wines are vinified at low temperature in oak barrels averaging 15 years in age.

The blend

Pinot Noir (55%) and Chardonnay (45%).

Elisabeth Salmon 2008 by Billecart-Salmon: Characteristics and tasting tips

The tasting

Colour

Elisabeth Salmon 2008 showcases a luminous colour with soft, warm copper highlights and an intense salmon pink hue.

Nose

The aromatic bouquet expresses the freshness of citrus peel mixed with red fruit jelly. The aromatic amplitude is rich and complex, revealing beautiful refined and mature notes of sweet spices and wild raspberry pulp. The inimitable character of the Plougastel strawberries perfectly blends with the Mara des Bois and the vine peach.

Palate

Elisabeth Salmon 2008 is a champagne that boasts a powerful expression balanced by a delicious delicacy. The gourmet flavours of mandarin orange, blood orange and apple pie offer a full and rich mouthfeel. The cuvée offers a lingering finish marked by notes of lemon zest along with red and white currants.

Food and wine pairing

Elisabeth Salmon 2008 will sublimate beautiful poultry as well as royal langoustines.

Service and storage

Elisabeth Salmon 2008 is an exceptional champagne that will keep beautifully until at least 2030. For an optimal tasting experience, serve between 11 and 12 degrees.