Champagne Extra Brut
Vintage 2016

The Champagne Vintage 2016 by Billecart-Salmon is a blend of 66% Pinot Noir and 34% Chardonnay grapes. To sublimate the terroirs and find the best balance in its blends, the Maison prefers Crus from the Montagne de Reims for the Pinot Noir selections and those from the Côte des Blancs for the Chardonnays.

The 2016 vintage saw a succession of extreme weather events: frost, hail, rain, heat waves, etc. The August sun allowed the grapes to ripen beautifully in their final stages. After this intense year, the 2016 harvest offers a pleasant conclusion in view of the vintage to which it was subjected: good health, a degree of ripeness that preserves freshness and good acidity for the vintage. Maison Billecart-Salmon was able to exploit all the facets of this vintage to offer a great wine that is both mouth-watering and full of tension.

Vinification occurs for 75% in stainless steel tanks and in oak vats for the remaining 25%, all at a low temperature. This method of vinification, of which the Maison was one of the pioneers, offers the freshness and elegance that are the 'signature' of their Champagnes. Vinification in steel preserves the freshness and purity of the terroir, while vinification in oak (barrels or foudres) adds richness and depth, enhancing the full expression of the terroir.

The Champagne Vintage 2016 by Billecart-Salmon is pink gold in colour with soft, luminous green reflections, naturally enhanced by a fine, abundant and dynamic effervescence. On the nose, it reveals a delicious intensity of precise fruit with elegant notes of stone fruit (cherry and tart cherry). An elongated and nuanced sensory development around exquisite pastry notes (pancake batter and puffed cereal) explodes in the mouth. A controlled aromatic expression of refreshing and refined purity follows suit. Enchanting tactile pleasure on the palate, amplified by the delicate, creamy texture. Persistent finish with chiselled structure.