Nicolas Francois 2012-A Vintage Celebration
Sparkle the night as we raise a glass to heritage and exceptional taste! 🥂 For seven generations Champagne Billecart-Salmon has been crafting champagnes that embody a relentless pursuit of excellence. Mathieu Roland-Billecart our host for this golden evening celebrating the highly anticipated unveiling of their prestigious vintage cuvée: Nicolas François 2012
This cuvée is the very soul of the Maison captured in a bottle. Hand selected from only their best Crus of Pinot Noir Noir and Chardonnay, a star is born from this exceptional year. From the finest parcels of Billecart-Salmon, Nicolas François Billecart 2012 isn't just made; it's orchestrated. Picture this: a symphony of Pinot Noir (a generous 60%, hailing from the prestigious Montagne de Reims and the revered Vallée de la Marne, including Grand Cru villages like Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, Aÿ and Verzenay) waltzes gracefully with the elegant Chardonnay (40%, a starlet from the Côte des Blancs' Grand Cru vineyards (Mesnil-sur-Oger, Chouilly and Avize). This isn't just any grape selection; it's a gathering of Champagne's elite, a 90% Grand and 10% Premier Cru affair, setting the stage for something truly exceptional.
The winemaking journey is a testament to Billecart-Salmon's unwavering pursuit of elegance. A hallmark of the house style is a long, slow fermentation at low temperatures in stainless steel tanks. This technique helps to retain the fresh and delicate aromas of the grapes. Then, a languid, cool fermentation unfolds in stainless steel, a deliberate slow dance to preserve the delicate whispers of fruit. But here's a secret ingredient: a whisper of tradition, as roughly 10% of these nascent wines find temporary homes in oak casks, breathing in subtle layers of richness and spice, a gentle nudge towards complexity without ever stealing the spotlight. While not always the case, the 2012 vintage saw a partial malolactic fermentation (around 20% was blocked). This contributes to a balanced acidity and a smoother texture.
Now, the real magic unfolds in the hushed darkness of Billecart-Salmon's cellars. For a staggering ten years – a full 120 months. Finally, the grand reveal, with a mere whisper of sweetness – a remarkably low 3.8 grams per liter dosage – allowing the inherent brilliance of the vintage, the purity of the fruit, and that captivating chalky minerality to sing unburdened.
As the cork whispers its release, a delicate, almost ethereal mousse rises with purpose, forming a persistent halo of the finest bubbles – like a constellation forming in your flute. The color is a radiant pale gold, hinting at the wine's maturity and the pedigree of its noble grapes: Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, with a judicious touch of Pinot Meunier adding its signature charm.
Bring the glass closer, and the aromatic tapestry begins to unfold. Initially shy, it blossoms with aeration, revealing a captivating dance between freshness and complexity. Imagine biting into a perfectly ripe white peach and apricot, intertwined with the delicate perfume of Meyer lemon zest, beeswax, minerality, freshly baked brioche and sweet pastry. There's a subtle undercurrent of hazelnut and a tantalizing hint of acacia and honeysuckle adding layers of intrigue that beckon you deeper.
The first sip is an awakening. The mousse is exquisitely fine, a creamy caress on the palate that carries a vibrant energy. The 2012 vintage lends a beautiful structure and tension, with a laser-like acidity that cuts through the richness, creating a harmonious balance. The flavors echo the nose but with greater intensity.
As the wine lingers on your palate, the complexity truly shines. Notes of toasted almond and salted caramel are met with subtle hints of vanilla bean, wildflower honey emerge adding depth. The finish is remarkably long and elegant, leaving you with a refreshing saline character, orange zest and nuttiness.
This Nicolas François Billecart 2012 is not a boisterous party-starter; it's a sophisticated conversationalist. It demands a moment of quiet appreciation, rewarding those who take the time to truly engage with its layers. It's a Champagne that speaks of elegance, precision, and the magic that can happen when exceptional fruit meets masterful winemaking.
The Billecart-Salmon Nicolas François Billecart 2012 is more than just a Champagne; it's an experience. It's a journey through delicate aromas, a vibrant palate, and a lingering finish that whispers of its exceptional pedigree. If you're a wine lover who seeks elegance, complexity, and a touch of magic in your glass, this is a bottle that deserves a place on your table. Don't just drink it; savor it, explore it, and let it transport you to the heart of Champagne. Cheers to the art of fine wine!
🥂The rooftop of The Peninsula NYC (The Pen) crackled with sparkling anticipation! Live jazz created the perfect ambiance as the city lights twinkled, mirroring the effervescent conversations as we indulged in this magnum moment of this remarkable vintage. This intimate gathering offered a rare and special connection to the story of Billecart-Salmon, making it a truly golden evening that I will never forget. More to follow on this maison and their cuvées.
