Brut Rosé Cuvée Elisabeth Salmon 2008

The Cuvée Elisabeth Salmon 2008 is Billecart-Salmon's vintage rosé and carries the name of a co-founder of the house. Half of it is Pinot Noir from the Montagne de Reims and the Marne Valley, the other half Chardonnay from the Côte des Blancs. Most of the grapes grow in grand cru sites. Nine per cent of the cuvée is vinified as Pinot Noir red wine, and 17 per cent was aged in oak for the first time, which gives the wine a slight touch of vanilla. It matured in the cellar for around nine years.

On the nose you find cherry and grapefruit, along with butter, pastry and spice. On the palate it is creamy and juicy, and the lemony finish lingers exceptionally long. Serve it at 9 to 11 °C in a large white wine glass. Anne-Sophie Pic paired it with steamed scallops in the coconut and truffle. Caviar, sashimi, poularde with morels or a spicy lamb chop also work well.