Champagne Billecart-Salmon & The Connaught Celebrate the Nicolas François 2012 Vintage with Complimentary Canapés for a Month
To celebrate the release of the new Nicolas François Vintage, Champagne Billecart-Salmon has partnered with The Connaught, the iconic Mayfair hotel, to create an exclusive pairing. For a limited time, guests who purchase a glass of Nicolas François 2012 will receive a specially crafted complimentary canape, designed to perfectly complement the cuvée. This exclusive pairing will be available for a month from Friday 11th April.
A tribute to the founder of family-run Champagne Billecart-Salmon, this exceptional vintage has served as a testament to the Maison’s ancestral savoir-faire in the art of blending since 1964. With today’s release of the 2012 vintage, its legacy of excellence, built over seven generations, is reinforced.
BALANCE & MATURITY
The Nicolas François Champagne, lionised for the way it perfectly encapsulates the Billecart-Salmon house style, is crafted from a meticulous selection of great Crus from the classified vineyards of Montagne de Reims (Pinot Noir) and Côte des Blancs (Chardonnay). The 2012 vintage stands out for its exceptional growing season, yielding perfectly ripened grapes with both richness and vibrant acidity. Regarded as one of the greatest vintages of its decade, it delivers wines of striking aromatic finesse, seamlessly balancing intensity and depth. The vinification, partially taking place in traditional oak casks, gives way to a sense of generosity, lending a refined complexity and natural elegance.
It appears golden and delicately effervescent in the glass, setting the stage for a bouquet of late summer orchard fruits and stone fruits lifted by a waft of florals. The palate is beautifully poised between cool minerality and warm notes of pear clafoutis and Bourbon vanilla, unfolding into a long, vinous finish that whispers of spice. A sublime match for lemon-buttered sole or veal chop with chanterelle mushrooms.
PERFECT PAIRING
To celebrate the release of this exceptional Champagne, Maison Billecart-Salmon has partnered with The Connaught, the iconic Mayfair hotel in London, to create an exclusive alliance. This collaboration is a meeting of heritage and shared values, symbolised by the greyhound which graces both their emblems.
Talking about this collaboration, Mathieu Roland-Billecart says:
“The Connaught Hotel serves only the finest food and wines to the most demanding guests in the world. At Billecart-Salmon, we pride ourselves on producing exceptional tasting experiences and naturally, they taste even better when enjoyed in the most beautiful places. We therefore had to celebrate this with our friends at the Connaught Hotel.”
In this prestigious London setting, the Nicolas François 2012 cuvée takes center stage, paired with an exquisite bite – an elegant combination of caviar and tuna tartare. This refined creation enhances the Champagne’s finesse and depth, offering a truly elevated tasting experience. Lucas Reynaud- Paligot, Head of Wine at The Connaught says:
“Paired with this cuvée, I really like the idea of Tuna and Caviar, beautiful texture, to balance between the Pinot Noir and the Chardonnay grapes. Round and fresh that’s the balance and the delicatesse of the tuna and the generosity of the caviar. A true indulgence to enjoy a glass of Nicolas François 2012 at the Connaught Hotel.”
From 11th April 2025, diners are invited to discover this unique collaboration which will come to life on the Maison’s social media channels.
ABOUT CHAMPAGNE BILLECART-SALMON
Billecart-Salmon is first and foremost the result of a union between Nicolas François Billecart and Elisabeth Salmon who, in 1818 and just married, founded their own champagne house in Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, a village near Epernay. At their side was Louis Salmon, Elisabeth’s brother, a passionate oenologist. Today, Mathieu Roland-Billecart, the 7th generation of the family, heads the House. Two centuries have passed since the creation of Billecart-Salmon Champagne, yet its motto remains unchanged:
“Give priority to quality, strive for excellence”.
Indifferent to passing trends, but in tune with the times, the House has always been concerned to deserve the praise of artists of taste such as sommeliers and great chefs. Shared on the greatest gastronomic tables in France and around the world, or at the heart of celebrations in the intimacy of family, Billecart-Salmon champagnes elegantly and delicately underline the most beautiful moments in life.
ABOUT MY ORIGIN
Champagne Billecart-Salmon relies on technology to help safeguard its promise of quality and excellence. Through My Origin, the Champagne House’s proprietary digital tool, a 6-digit code located on the back label of all bottles of Nicolas François 2012 links to proof of origin along with detailed information on the cuvée, including grape varieties, dosage and date of disgorgement. Visit myorigin.billecart.com to learn more.
ABOUT THE CONNAUGHT
Perfectly situated in the heart of Mayfair village, The Connaught is a place of rare belonging for discerning voyagers and cultured Londoners alike. A discreet enclave of warmth and style, suites and rooms here effortlessly blend tradition and modernity, while award-winning gastronomic experiences transcend the everyday. Deeply rooted in our Mount Street neighbourhood, The Connaught promises a quiet welcome home in the capital of culture.
Craftsmanship is at the heart of The Connaught’s refined restaurants and renowned bars. Culinary creativity shines at Hélène Darroze’s three Michelin-starred restaurant, while The Connaught Grill brings flair to British ingredients. The Connaught Patisserie is a gallery of sweet artistry. Meanwhile, our mixologists reinvent the classics, from rare vintages in the Red Room to must-try Martinis at the award-winning Connaught Bar.
Available from independent wine merchants – RRP: £150