Nicolas-François Billecart fell in love with Elisabeth Salmon in 1818 and were soon married. They were bestowed a small plot of perfect land in the beautiful Mareuil sur Ay in the Marne region of Champagne as a wedding gift from Elisabeth's family where they decided to found a Champagne House. Above all this was to be a beacon of excellence and purity. This was a very pioneering venture as ‘Sparkling Champagne’ was still in it’s infancy and exploding bottles were still a major issue in the process – but then, this was an explosive love!

Here at Black Market we celebrate this love story with this BILLECART-SALMON Brut twin case. These Champagnes are the ideal partner for every occasion and the perfect gift for any star crossed lovers. 

After all as Tyson Stelzer explained..."the mark of Billecart is made not by the heavy footfall of concentration, power and presence, but rather the fairy touch of delicacy and crystal-clear fidelity" 

1x Billecart-Salmon Cuvee Nicolas François Billecart Brut 2002

AWARDED 99/100 POINTS: Tyson Stelzer for Decanter

AWARDED 98/100 POINTS: James Suckling

AWARDED 96/100 POINTS: Wine Enthusiast

AWARDED 95/100 POINTS: Wine Spectator

"This vintage has begun to open magnificently since its release, displaying remarkable complexity, yet at every moment clinging to impeccable elegance, coiled focus of malic acid tension and exhilarating chalk mineral texture. Delightful poise and intricate craftsmanship proclaim one of the great Billecarts of the modern era" Tyson Stelzer for Decanter

"With its ripe fruits, rich texture and layers of toast, this is a great wine. It shows the quality of the great 2002 vintage brilliantly. It’s complex and concentrated with an array of mature fruit flavors that combine to a structured whole. It will improve with age, so drink this great Champagne through 2025 and perhaps longer" Wine Enthusiast

"There’s a buoyant, almost ethereal quality to this elegant Champagne, offering a rich range of blackberry pâte de fruit, crystallized honey, grilled nut and oyster shell flavors, set on a fine, chalky mousse. Long and mouthwatering, with a clean, citrus-infused finish" Wine Spectator

"This has a super-composed nose with gently spiced pastry and bright strawberry and cherry fruits, as well as some spiced brulée custard and praline. There’s a lot of deep-set complexity here. The palate has a bright, crunchy, and assertive burst of peach and lemon flavor on entry, while the Pinot takes the midpalate with fleshy white cherries and smooth phenolics that hold through to the finish with gently nutty mushroom and cherry-pip flavors to close. Great balance and power" James Suckling

A beautiful yellow dress with sparkling light golden reflections. Visual perception of glittering crystal, with the effervescence and lift of fine bubbles. This displays the richness and subtlety of an aromatic cuvée dedicated to the maturity of the fruit. Fine malt associated with orchard fruits (white peach, nectarine and plum of Lorraine,) selected by the purity of complex aromas of tangerine zest. A balanced voltage controlled by the development of wine displaying stone fruit and seeds, citrus and warm madeleine, and symbolized by the conduct of fine food coniferous (spruce and juniper Houlle). A texture with a strong personality maintaining a remarkable vinosity.

1 x Billecart-Salmon Cuvee Elisabeth Salmon Brut Rosé 2007

Awarded 94/100 POINTS: James Suckling, Jamessuckling.com

"Beautifully toned red fruit with background mushroom and spice aromas, too. This is very fresh and gently complex. The palate has a vibrant array of zesty and succulent red berries and delivers an impressive, fluid and gently tart, strawberry finish. Drink or hold" James Suckling, Jamessuckling.com

With soft, shimmering reflections and a sustained pink hue, this seductive blend has a radiant brilliance. There is a refreshing sensorial expression of citrus peel and red berry jelly. With the exquisite sensation of a rich and complex aromatic generosity (antique roses, cherries and white peaches). Lovely olfactive notes respectfully soften the distinctive perfume of wild strawberries and scented soft spices. A measured strength which is delicate and charming at the same time, and with a harmonious maturing of flavours (mandarin, blood orange and Reinette apple tart). An ample and pure character in the mouth unveiling a chalky edge and a persistent finish of lightly candied citron.

50% Pinot Noir from the Montagne de Reims and the Grande Vallée de la Marne. 50% Chardonnay from the Côtes des Blancs. A part of the Pinot Noir is vinified as a red wine from the grapes grown at “Valofroy”. This parcel is made up of old vines on the slopes of Mareuil-sur-Aÿ with a southern exposure.

Created in 1988 as a tribute to one of the House’s founders, Elisabeth Salmon, this cuvée distinguishes itself through its sparkle and refined purity of grandeur and unique character. This great, rare and sought-after wine subtly offers the signature of our top Pinot Noir and Chardonnay terroirs.

Food Pairing: This great wine, with its extreme finesse, is a sign of the delicate personality of its textures and flavours. An aromatic charm with a rare mineral dimension, marries well with beautiful creamy poultry, in particular poulet de Bresse or Breton langoustines royales.