Exclusive Launch of Billecart-Salmon Nicolas Francois 2012
Exclusive Launch of Billecart-Salmon Nicolas François 2012 at Goodman Gallery, London
On the evening of April 30th, 2025, the Goodman Gallery in London hosted an exclusive event to unveil the Billecart-Salmon Nicolas François 2012. This highly anticipated launch drew an elite crowd of wine aficionados, industry professionals, and champagne lovers, all eager to sample the latest vintage from the esteemed Champagne house.
An Evening of Elegance
The Goodman Gallery, known for its contemporary art displays, provided a chic and sophisticated setting for the event. Guests were greeted with a glass of Billecart-Salmon Le Réserve, setting a refined tone for the evening. The gallery's modern ambiance perfectly complemented the timeless elegance of Billecart-Salmon's champagnes, creating a memorable atmosphere of luxury and celebration.
From the vineyard to the cellars, Billecart-Salmon, finds itself visually reformed following a five-year re-assessment of the Brut Reserve, led by the House’s Tasting Committee.
The Brut Reserve cuvee is now named Le Réserve, seeing greater depth and finesse from its 2020 base, with some enhancements which are also replicated across the House’s entire range of non-vintage wines.
First thing to note is the extended ageing on lees, increasing from an average of 30 months to 50 months (as its disgorged throughout the year, some will be 46 months, others will be 55 months).
There’s been a complete reset on where the Meunier grapes are selected from with an exclusive focus on Damery, Venteuil, Leuvrigny, Festigny, from the Vallée de la Marne.
“Le Reserve, is the more affordable Champagne in the range, not because its inferior, but the costs to produce are less, like the pork chop is less than the scallop”.
Mathieu Billecart
Mathieu Billecart, CEO of Billecart-Salmon, hosted the evening, sharing fascinating insights into the history and production of the Nicolas François 2012. I first met Mathieu back in November 2024 at 67 Pall Mall, when he hosted an intimate masterclass and introduced me to the changes he’d made to their Brut Reserve, now called Le Reserve. He started work at Billecart from the 2018 harvest and his decisions start to show from 2019 onwards.
The Star of the Show: Nicolas François 2012
The highlight of the evening was the Nicolas François 2012, a champagne that exemplifies the finesse and complexity for which Billecart-Salmon is renowned. Named in honour of the house's founder, this vintage showcases the meticulous craftsmanship and dedication to quality that have been hallmarks of Billecart-Salmon for over 200 years. The 2012 vintage is noted for its exceptional balance, vibrant acidity, and rich, layered flavours, making it a standout in the Billecart-Salmon collection.
The Nicolas François 2012 is a tribute to the founder of Billecart-Salmon, Nicolas François Billecart. This exceptional cuvée was first created in 1964 and has since become a symbol of the house's dedication to excellence. The 2012 vintage is crafted from a meticulous blend of the finest grapes from the Montagne de Reims (Pinot Noir) and the Côte des Blancs (Chardonnay) vineyards. This blend, consisting of 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay, showcases the unique terroir of these prestigious regions.
The Nicolas François 2012 undergoes an extensive ageing process to develop its complex flavours and aromas. The wine is aged on lees for 120 months, which contributes to its rich texture and depth. A portion of the wine is vinified in traditional oak casks, adding layers of complexity and a touch of vivacity. The dosage is kept low at 3.8g/l, ensuring that the natural characteristics of the wine shine through.
This vintage is celebrated for its remarkable balance and elegance. The Nicolas François 2012 presents a beautiful golden-yellow hue with bright, patinated gold reflections. On the nose, it offers intense and rich aromas of orchard fruits, stone fruits, and nuts, complemented by floral notes of acacia and hawthorn. The palate is equally impressive, with flavours of honeyed biscuits, lemon pulp, pear, and hints of Bourbon vanilla and lime leaf. The wine's limestone imprint and finely integrated low dosage create a texture with strong personality and incredible intensity. The finish evolves into notes of cigar boxes and sweet spices like cinnamon and white pepper.
Food Pairing
The Nicolas François 2012 pairs beautifully with a variety of gourmet dishes. Its vibrant acidity and rich flavours make it an excellent match for seafood, such as sole in lemon butter or tuna with caviar. It also complements poultry dishes like veal chop with chanterelle mushrooms. The champagne's complexity and depth enhance the flavours of these dishes, creating a harmonious and memorable dining experience.
Where to Buy in the UK
For those looking to purchase the Nicolas François 2012 in the UK, it is available from several reputable retailers:
The Finest Bubble: The Finest Bubble - Buy Champagne same day 3 hour delivery
Millesima: Buy Fine & Rare Wines online - Champagnes - Millesima.co.uk
Berry Bros & Rudd: Berry Bros. & Rudd
A Celebration of Excellence
The launch of the Nicolas François 2012 was more than just an introduction of a new vintage; it was a celebration of Billecart-Salmon's enduring legacy. As guests mingled and shared their appreciation for the house's exceptional champagnes, the evening highlighted the timeless appeal and unwavering quality that have made Billecart-Salmon a beloved name in the world of wine.
