Source: Winemaker,

The Elisabeth Salmon cuvee was created in 1988 as a tribute to Elisabeth Salmon, one of the house?s founders, an independent and avant-garde woman who fearlessly guided the house through its first steps in 1818. Elisabeth Salmon was a multi-faceted woman of character. Very early on, she made the bold choice of pursuing her passion for Champagne, shared by her husband Nicolas Fran?ois Billecart, with whom she founded their house Billecart-Salmon.

The 2008 vintage of this rare and sought-after rose is finally ready to see the light of day after 12 years maturing gracefully in Billecart-Salmon?s cellars. 2008 was an exceptional vintage distinguished by the quality and generosity of its harvest that yielded fruit of well-balanced weather combining sunshine and freshness. A rigorous selection of the best Pinot Noir and Chardonnay terroirs in Champagne and the art of assemblage displays the house?s ancestral savoire-faire. A work of fine craftsmanship with a complex, precise and meticulous composition, this cuvee is draped in sophistication, renowned for its sparkle, radiance and refined purity that reveal a noble and unique character, worthy of the remarkable woman it pays tribute to.

Formulation:
76% Grands crus and 24% Premiers crus.
45% Chardonnay from the C?tes des Blancs.
55% Pinot Noir from the Montagne de Reims and the Grande Vall?e de la Marne.
9% of the Pinot Noir is vinified as red wine made from grapes that come from Valofroy. This parcel in Mareuil-sur-A? is made up of old vines with a full southern exposure.
17% of the wine is fermented and matured in 15 year old oak barrels
Dosage: 7 g/l

Available formats and ageing potential:
Bottle : more than 10 years

Appearance : A luminous visual presence with soft shimmering coppery reflections and a deep salmon pink hue.

Aroma : A refreshing and sensual sensory expression of citrus peels and red berry jelly, with the exquisite sensation of a rich and complex aromatic amplitude (Plougastel strawberry, Mara des Bois and vine peach). Beautifully refined and mature olfactory notes, releasing a distinctive perfume of scented soft spices and wild rasberry pulp.

Palate : A measured strength, delicate as well as savory with the harmonious blossoming of gourmet flavors (tangerine, blood orange and Reinette apple tart). A fullbodied and layered mouthfeel, evolving towards a chalky edge and a lingering finish of citron zest and red and white currants.

Tasting : This great wine is endowed with great finesse and delicacy, its personality shining through textures and flavors. An aromatic charm coupled with a rare mineral dimension, ideally paired with poulet de Bresse or Breton langoustines royales.

Service Temperature : 11/12?