Manufacturer: Billecart-Salmon

The Origin of the Myth: In the heart of Champagne, situated in the charming village of Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, is a Champagne House family-owned and independent for nearly 200 years. It all began in 1818 when Nicolas François Billecart and Elisabeth Salmon founded a Champagne House that was above all conscious of the excellence of its wines. Since then, every member of the Billecart family has been committed to perpetuate the family tradition through standing by the immutable oath: ‘Give priority to quality, strive for excellence’. Proof of this eternal demand: the family garden at the BILLECART-SALMON estate. This garden was redesigned in 1926 in a French style under the guidance of Charles Roland-Billecart. The idea of his project was to create a garden at the heart of the village, enclosed by walls surrounded by lime trees primed in to a canopy, with boxwood enbroidery, lawns and flowerbeds. The garden was kept in this style until 1999, when a storm destroyed the remaining old trees, leaving only one chestnut tree soon to be 200 years old. Francois Roland-Billecart, therefore decided to enlarge his grandfather’s garden by adjoining the part of it that had stayed out of sight. He entrusted this project to his sister Véronique Roland-Billecart. From the foundation of the House of BILLECART-SALMON in 1818 until now, each generation has invested in the preservation of this garden. Furthermore the family has thrown itself in to modernising the art of their wine making descended from nearly two centuries of experience. With a background of the best champenois tradition, the House of BILLECART-SALMON sways between excellence and demand, keen to convey their love of champagne whilst cultivating a certain amount of mystery. The Successors Today, the Billecart family legend is continued thanks to François and Antoine Roland-Billecart, representing the 6th generation, who lead this independent House with the support of their father, Jean Roland-Billecart. By their side, men with great talent combine their experiences in order to maintain this tradition of excellence. Worthy successors with a specialised talent, continue to produce exceptional champagne. -Alexandre Bader, the General Manager, in charge of spreading the values of the House across the world. -François Domi, chief wine-maker for nearly 30 years, whom each year produces an harmonious blend of grapes for a fine and elegant champagne. He is responsible for the signature of BILLECART-SALMON. -Denis Blée, Director of the vineyard, for the last twenty years responsible for the Clos Saint-Hilaire and the oak Chai, from the pruning to the harvest, he rigorously surveys each parcel of the vineyard and ensures the maturing of the wine in the barrels.