Champagne Billecart Salmon - Les Rendez Vous n°8 - Meunier
With the eighth opus of its experimental collection, Billecart-Salmon continues its exploration of Meunier by isolating a precise, straightforward and luminous expression. Les Rendez-Vous n°8 showcases the pure fruit, floral finesse and saline burst of this long-discreet grape variety, here carried by an Extra Brut dosage that favors the energy and clarity of the terroir. Made exclusively from Pinot Meunier, the wine is crafted with precision: delicate pressing of whole bunches, vinification aimed at aromatic clarity and balance, secondary fermentation in the bottle using the traditional method, then extended aging on lees to refine the texture and gain complexity. The low dosage seals a style without artifice, where the ripeness of the fruit remains at the forefront, supported by a refreshing tension.
Tasting:
The bright straw color is enlivened by a fine and regular effervescence. The nose opens with pear, mirabelle plum and small red fruits with light flesh, joined by white flowers, citrus zest and a chalky reminiscence. The palate is slender, crystalline, carried by a salivating frame that stretches the heart of the fruit. The finish, long and precise, returns to ripe lemon, white currant and a subtle touch of almond, leaving a sensation of purity and great drinkability.
Serve between 8 and 10°C in a tulip glass to encourage aromatic development. Ideal as an aperitif for its liveliness and precision, this Meunier excels at the table with oysters and shellfish, citrus ceviche, grilled white fish, roast poultry with fresh herbs, or delicate vegetable dishes. Its low dosage and saline structure also make it a natural ally of Loire goat cheeses.
Rendez-Vous No. 8 confirms Billecart-Salmon's micro-series approach: isolating a grape variety and a style to deliver a clear, refined, and gastronomic interpretation. Here, Meunier creates a champagne of character, precise and vibrant, which combines fruit, freshness, and depth.
Grape variety: 100% Pinot Meunier.
