Champagne Brut
Louis Salmon 2012

The Champagne Louis Salmon by Billecart-Salmon was created as a tribute to Louis Salmon, brother of Elisabeth Salmon, who co-founded the Maison with Nicolas François Billecart in 1818. A passionate naturalist and a deep connoisseur of the Champagne vineyards, Louis was among the first to understand the decisive role of terroir and parcel selection in defining the style of a Champagne. The Louis Salmon cuvée was conceived to honour this vision, presenting itself as a pure and refined interpretation of Chardonnay from the Grand Cru villages of the Côte des Blancs, capable of expressing with precision the chalky minerality, tension and elegance that characterise these soils.

This edition, Millésime 2012, is made from 100% Chardonnay sourced mainly from four Grand Cru villages of the Côte des Blancs: Chouilly, Mesnil-sur-Oger, Cramant and Oiry. The vintage was marked by several climatic challenges throughout the growing season, including frost, heavy rainfall, hailstorms and subsequent drought, which significantly reduced yields. From July onward, however, a period of abundant sunshine without excessive heat allowed the grapes to ripen slowly and evenly, with the harvest taking place between September 15 and 30. Vinification and fermentation take place 25% in oak barrels and the remainder in stainless steel tanks, with partial malolactic fermentation; after the tirage, the wine ages on its lees for around 10 years before disgorgement. The final dosage of less than 4 g/l, in Extra Brut style, accompanies the wine with discretion, enhancing its purity and depth.

On tasting, Louis Salmon 2012 shows a crystalline pale gold colour with delicate yellow-green reflections and a luminous, fine and persistent mousse. The aromatic profile reveals elegant floral notes, hazelnut, fresh butter and pastry cream, supported by a precise chalky signature. On the palate the texture is creamy and finely chiselled, with a dynamic balance between freshness and breadth; flavours of flaky brioche, mirabelle plum tart and limoncello emerge. The finish, powerful yet poised, unfolds towards fresh mango, mandarin pulp and marrons glacés, with an exceptionally long aromatic persistence.