Vintage 2002 in Champagne, One of the Greatest Vintages

The year 2002 is considered an exceptional vintage for Champagne, probably one of the best. Discover the vintage that every cellar master has in their cellar.

OUR SELECTION OF VINTAGE CHAMPAGNES

EXCEPTION AND RARITY

The year 2002 is considered an exceptional vintage, probably one of the best. 2002 was a great year for the whole Champagne region, in particular for Chardonnay grape. It produced Chardonnays that are opulent and fragrant, rivaling in excellence the suppleness of the Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier.

Caught between the 2001 marked by persistent rain and the tender and gentle 2004, the 2002 vintage has the flesh and freshness of great wines that can stand the test of time.

The vineyards in the north of the Champagne region were particularly favoured. After a disastrous summer that left us to expect the worst, the month of September 2002 lifted the spirits of the winegrowers: A dry and sunny summer guaranteed a good ripening of the grapes. The rainfall was below the national average (a drop in average rainfall of around -30%) and fortunately kept diseases away from the vines. The harvest was able to take place under the sun.

Low acidity, good alcoholic richness ensuring good ageing potential. This vintage is synonymous with prestige. These are Champagnes that leave their mark on the memory of the connoisseur. Their unique and exquisite character offers all the qualities expected of the great Champagne houses. They exceed the reputation of the brand. Already delicious, these well-balanced and fine Champagnes can be left to rest for five to ten years in the cellar. The greatest will reach their peak in 20 years.

THE VINTAGE MATTERS!

In oenology, the vintage refers to the year of harvest of the grapes used to make the wine. This year appears on the label.

From one vintage to another, the main variations are the weather conditions that determined the quality of the grapes and the yield of the vines. These variations depend on the importance of the climate conditions from one year to another.

In fact, the vineyards can suffer from climatic hazards (hail, frost, rain at the least opportune moment, insufficient heat, fires, etc.) affecting the vintage.

The quality of the wine varies from mediocre to exceptional.

PARTICULARITY FOR THE CHAMPAGNE

Generally, the vintage does not appear on the labels of Champagne bottles because they often are a blend of several vinifications from different years.

The vintage does not appear unless the Champagne is exceptional.

This indication increases the rarity and quality of vintage Champagnes.

Thus, a vintage Champagne corresponds to an outstanding Champagne coming exclusively from the harvest of an exceptional year.

CHAMPAGNE CUVEE NICOLAS FRANCOIS BILLECART - BRUT 2002 - BILLECART SALMON

EXCELLENCE THAT EXCEEDS THE REPUTATION OF THE GREAT CHAMPAGNE HOUSES

Vintage champagnes must reflect their year while respecting the style of the Champagne house. The Maison Billecart-Salmon was able to express it with nuances:

Find the CHAMPAGNE CUVEE NICOLAS FRANCOIS BILLECART - BRUT 2002 - BILLECART SALMON

This prestige cuvée, created in 1964 as a tribute to the founder of the house, asserts the extensive and powerful character of a fine and elegant style. The result of a blend of Grands Crus from the classified communes of the Côtes des Blancs (Chardonnay) and the Montagne de Reims (Pinot Noir), this Champagne is the height of refinement.

The finely chiselled bubbles reveal notes of praline, lightly roasted dried fruit (dried almonds and dates, roasted chestnuts) flirting with the floral and sensory elegance of a touch of infusion (lime, verbena).

On the palate, the two grape varieties express aromas of caramelised stone fruits, light tobacco and biscuity flavours.

A mature vintage Champagne that will appeal to lovers of lightly toasted notes.