May 20

May 20 My Favorite Champagne: Champagne Billecart-Salmon Brut Rosé

My wife and I love champagne and sparkling wines. The right bottle of bubbly is the perfect way to celebrate special occasions or to elevate an otherwise ordinary evening. For our honeymoon in 2019 we bashed about the Champagne Houses in the Champagne region of France. One missed opportunity was to tour Champagne House Billecart-Salmon because they were closed during our time there. This Champagne House produces my favorite non-vintage bottle of Champagne which is the Champagne Billecart-Salmon Brut Rosé. Recently, I was gifted a bottle in celebration of transitioning to a new position and I decided to deep dive into this Champagne and share why I love it and what you might pair it with.

Established in 1818 by Nicolas François Billecart and Elisabeth Salmon—who were married in the same year—this mid-size Champagne house in Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, France remains family owned and operated for over six generations.

The key moment that led to the creation of my favorite Champagne—the Brut Rosé— occurred in the 1970s when Jean Roland-Billecart boldly decided to work on a Champagne Brut Rosé which at the time was out of fashion. What he created was a pale pink in color Champagne distinguished by its “freshness and flavor of subtle notes of red berries”.

Made from a blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier, and Pinot Noir, the Champagne Brut Rosé is now the Billecart-Salmon’s flagship cuvée.

I love this champagne because it’s so festive, the color is beautiful and the packing is lovely. What really sets it apart is its incredible flavor. Well balanced, really well rounded mouth feel and a light fruit flavor.

I enjoy Champagne on its own, it makes a nice pre-or post-dinner drink. If you’re looking to pair with food, it will compliment well with a number of dishes. First and foremost, when I pair Champagne with food I tend towards charcuterie/light bite types of food. Caviar, cheeses (soft and hard go well), oysters, and crab. For a meal you might go with grilled fish, lobster, or grilled chicken without sauce.

Raise a glass and cheers to this lovely Champagne! Let me know in the comments below what your favorite champagne is and how you pair it.