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Nicolas Francois 2012

Rating95 2025
  • $236
    Avg. Price
  • Brut (extra brut)
    Dry/Sweet
  • White Blend
    Style

Vintages: 20082012

Tasting notes follow characteristics and details.

Billecart-Salmon

The most popular Billecart-Salmon Champagne brands are rated and compared to other brands. Detailed descriptions along with tasting notes are provided.

The Billecart-Salmon House was established in Mareuil-sur-Aÿ in 1818. The House Billecart-Salmon remains one of the few major producers in Champagne that is independent and family owned.

Critic Ratings


  • 93
    2025 Wine Spectator

Billecart-Salmon Nicolas Francois 2012

Characteristics

Nicolas Francois 2012 is an extra brut Champagne with a dosage of 3.8 grams per liter. 90% was vinified in stainless steel tanks with 10% in French oak barrels. Formulation consisted of 100% grands and premiers crus.

Pinot noir vineyards: The 60% pinot noir is from Montagne de Reims and the Vallée de la Marne (Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, Aÿ et Verzenay).

Chardonnay vineyards: The 40% chardonnay is from Côte des Blancs (Mesnil-sur-Oger, Chouilly, Avize). 10% of wines are vinified in oak casks.

Details


  • Dry/Sweet: Brut (extra brut)

  • Dosage: 3.8 grams/liter

  • The grapes: 60% pinot noir and 40% chardonnay

  • Appellation: Champagne, France

  • Disgorged: May 2023

  • Lees aging: 10 years

  • Wine type: Sparkling Wine

  • Producer: Champagne Billecart-Salmon

Winemaker tasting notes

Nose: “The intensity and richness of the fruit are complemented by a mineral complexity and enchanting aromas of maturity. Fine, intense notes of orchard fruits, combined with the characteristics of stone fruits and nuts (slightly roasted sliced almonds, Lorraine mirabelles and juicy clementine flesh), all accentuated by the lingering perfume of woodland flowers (acacia and hawthorn).”

Palate: “The balance of a tension, enveloped by the wine’s fullness (honeyed biscuits and lemon pulp), and symbolized by noble and pastry flavors (pear clafoutis, Bourbon vanilla, and lime leaf). A texture with a strong personality, with its limestone imprint and an incredible intensity, curbed by its fully integrated low dosage. The elegant finish evolves into notes of cigar boxes and sweet spices (cinnamon and white pepper).”

Winery


Billecart-Salmon

The most popular Billecart-Salmon Champagne brands are rated and compared to other brands. Detailed descriptions along with tasting notes are provided.

The Billecart-Salmon House was established in Mareuil-sur-Aÿ in 1818. The House Billecart-Salmon remains one of the few major producers in Champagne that is independent and family owned.

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