Champagne Billecart-Salmon Nicolas Francois 2012

Champagne Billecart-Salmon Nicolas Francois 2012

Rich & Toasty Dry Sparkling Pinot Noir • Chardonnay Champagne , France
Mirabelle, citrus, toasted almond and chalky, honeyed pastry.
£149.50
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Why You'll Love It
One of the great expressions of mature vintage Champagne. Nicolas François 2012 combines ripe yellow fruit and gentle pastry richness with a remarkably precise, chalky finish. A decade on the lees brings depth without dulling its energy. A superb bottle for a special meal, particularly fine fish or veal.
About The Producer
Founded in 1818 in Mareuil-sur-Aÿ by Nicolas François Billecart and Elisabeth Salmon, Billecart-Salmon remains one of Champagne's most respected family-owned houses, now in its seventh generation under Mathieu Roland-Billecart. Its reputation rests on precision rather than spectacle. In 1958, Jean Roland-Billecart pioneered slower, lower-temperature fermentations and cold settling to preserve the delicacy and freshness of the fruit. That approach still shapes the house's fine bubbles, measured richness and exceptional balance. Billecart-Salmon works with leading vineyards in the Montagne de Reims, Vallée de la Marne and Côte des Blancs, using both carefully controlled stainless-steel vinification and oak where it serves the wine. Its pale, finely detailed Brut Rosé helped redefine the category, while cuvées such as Nicolas François demonstrate its capacity for long ageing and extraordinary depth. Estate vineyard work has also earned Sustainable Viticulture in Champagne and High Environmental Value certification. Few Champagne houses combine history, consistency and finesse quite so convincingly.
Winemaking Information
Nicolas François 2012 is sourced entirely from Premier and Grand Cru vineyards: 60% Pinot Noir from Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, Aÿ and Verzenay, and 40% Chardonnay from Mesnil-sur-Oger, Chouilly and Avize. Ten per cent of the base wine was vinified in traditional oak casks; the remainder retains the house's characteristic precision. Traditional-method fermentation was followed by approximately 120 months on lees. The house specifies a 3.8 g/L dosage and recommends serving around 11–12°C.
Mix 6 price: £142.03
⚡ Buy 6 mixed bottles, save 5%
Mix 12 price: £134.55
⚡ Buy 12 mixed bottles, save 10%
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Wine Details
Grape
  • Pinot Noir
  • Chardonnay
Region Champagne
Country France
Wine Type Sparkling
Wine Style Rich & Toasty Dry Sparkling
Vintage 2012
ABV 12.5%
Volume 75cl
Note: Wines listed as "Organic" and "Biodynamic" refer to both practising and certified production.