You Stole My Stars Élisabeth Rosé
Elegance is when the inside is as beautiful as the outside-Coco Chanel
Champagne Billecart-Salmon Élisabeth Salmon Brut Rosé 2012
The name Élisabeth evokes images of elegance, finesse, royalty and grace, and this Champagne embodies all those qualities and more. Named in honor of the house’s co-founder, Élisabeth, expertly crafted by oenologist and chief winemaker Florent Nys. His aim was to capture the personality and essence of Élisabeth Salmon in this exceptional Champagne and he succeeded one hundredfold.
Champagne Billecart-Salmon is synonymous with high quality and is one of the most prestigious and oldest family-owned Champagne houses. Founded in 1818 by Nicolas François Billecart and his wife, Élisabeth Salmon, the Champagne House is located in their native Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, France. Élisabeth's brother, Louis Salmon, an oenologist, played a crucial role in crafting the wines, while Nicolas François, a lawyer, managed the business's commercial operations. Élisabeth focused on production and marketing. Today, Billecart-Salmon remains family-owned and is one of the few independent family-owned Champagne Houses, currently overseen by the seventh generation, Mathieu Roland-Billecart.
Élisabeth Billecart-Salmon was a significant figure in the history of Champagne. She played a pivotal role in both the production and marketing of their Champagne, actively managing various aspects of operations, including vineyard management and winemaking processes. Élisabeth emphasized quality over quantity, focusing on the careful selection of grapes and rigorous quality control standards to uphold the Champagne house's commitment to traditional winemaking methods.
In addition to her dedication to tradition, Élisabeth advocated for sustainable viticulture, implementing environmentally friendly practices in the vineyards. Under her leadership, Champagne Billecart-Salmon has expanded its global presence, gaining recognition in prestigious wine competitions and tastings. She is also invested in educating consumers about Champagne and her family's heritage, regularly participating in tastings and industry events to share her expertise. Through her efforts, Élisabeth Billecart-Salmon has helped solidify the reputation of Champagne Billecart-Salmon as a prominent player in the Champagne industry.
Champagne Billecart-Salmon Élisabeth Salmon Brut Rosé 2012 is a meticulously crafted blend consisting of 52% Pinot Noir, 37% Chardonnay, and 11% Meunier. The grapes are sourced from classified vineyards in the Montagne de Reims and Côte des Blancs, regions renowned for their chalky soils that impart a distinct minerality to the wine. The composition includes 100% Grand Cru and Premier Cru grapes, with 55% Chardonnay coming from Chouilly, Avize, Mesnil-sur-Oger, and Cramant, and 45% Pinot Noir sourced from Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, Aÿ, and Ambonnay. Notably, less than 10% of the Pinot Noir contributes to the wine's beautiful color and is vinified as red wine from old vines in Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, which benefit from southern exposure. Additionally, 2.9% of the wines are vinified in oak casks. The Champagne is aged on the lees for an impressive 115 months, with a dosage of 3.8 g/l, resulting in a refined and complex expression.
Your eyes are enchanted as you pour this bubbly a shimmering salmon-pink hue. Its fine and persistent bubbles dance gracefully upward, creating a charming effervescence that invites romance with every swirl.
The aromatic profile of this brut rosé is a captivating bouquet, unfolding like a love letter in a garden. Intense and expressive with ripe strawberries and crushed raspberries, and just picked peaches and apples. Notes of chalky salinity, pink grapefruit, blood orange zest and dried elderflower dance playfully, harmonizing with subtle hints of brioche, toasted almonds, nougat, yogurt and vanilla. The undertones of rose petal, dried leaves and a whisper of ginger spice weave through the air, enchanting the senses and igniting heartfelt desires.
The exquisite balance between fruit and freshness makes this vintage an enchanting companion for intimate moments.
The first sip is a celebration of elegance and vivacity. Each sip unfurls layers of succulent red berries, where morello cherry and strawberry lead the way, creating a luscious core that entices the taste buds. The wine’s creamy texture envelops the palate in a romantic embrace, while a bright citrus acidity provides a refreshing lift, imbuing each moment with vitality.
The finish is an elegant farewell, one that you wish didn’t have to end…..lingering delicately like a last whisper before parting. Soft hints of honey, marzipan, mushrooms, saline and a touch of vanilla caress the senses, mingling with the slightest echo of mint and warm white pepper leaves a feeling of contentment, reminding one that true moments of bliss can be found in the simplest pleasures.
A masterpiece that captures the essence of romance in every aspect. Its graceful profile, exquisite flavors, and enchanting aromas create a magnificent experience that is both celebratory and intimate. Perfect for toasting to love, cherished memories, or simply the beauty of life itself.
Fresh oysters followed by pan seared sesame crusted tuna and strawberry tarts dusted with powdered sugar.
Put simply, I was blown away with this Champagne. Every sipping moment transforms into a romantic rendezvous—a true embodiment of love captured in a bottle.
Watch the reel on Instagram You Stole My Stars
