Brut Réserve

The Brut Réserve is the entry point to the house of Billecart-Salmon and shows its style in the most direct way: freshness, fruit and balance. It brings together Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Meunier from sites within roughly 20 kilometres of Épernay, that is, from the Montagne de Reims, the Côte des Blancs and the Marne Valley. It spends three years in the cellar, twice as long as the appellation requires. That gives it more depth than you would expect from a non-vintage champagne.

In the glass, blossom comes through on the nose, followed on the palate by peach and ripe pear, carried by lively acidity and a fine, taut line. It tastes fresh, juicy and clear. Serve it at 8 to 10 °C in a white wine glass or tulip glass, happily as an aperitif. The Parisian chef Michel Rostang recommends it with ginger crab and courgette cream. It is also a reliable companion to light starters and among friends.