H. Billiot Fils
Region: Montagne de Reims
Grand cru sites in Ambonnay
Total vineyard holdings: 5 hectares
Annual production: 3,750 cases
Vines: 75% pinot noir, 25% chardonnay
H. Billiot Fils (AMBONNAY)
Laetitia Billiot is the fourth generartion to estate bottle Champagnes at this domaine in the Grand Cru Village of Ambonnay. Her Great Grandfather Louis Billiot bottled small amounts of wine, but it was his son and Laetitia’s Grandfather Henri that created estate today. Laetitia’s father Serge took over in 1954 quickly establishing himself as a top producer, producing a range of wines from his Grand Cru holdings in Ambonnay. Today, Laetitia continues the tradition, working 5 hectares in Ambonnay. Of the 18 parcels that Billiot works, all but one of them are mid slope, in the most desirable sections of this famous village. “The wines of Ambonnay are very vinous, with a lot of strength,” says Laetitia Billiot,“but they are also very fine, with delicacy and finesse. They stay fresh for
a long time.”
The wines are pressed in traditional vertical basket presses and vinified in stainless steel, Apart from one barrel fermented vintage wine, called “Cuvee Julie”. The wines don’t see Mal: “We have 100-percent grand cru vines, which always give a high degree of maturity, so we don’t need the malo.” Says Laetitia. The wines are also never stabilized or filtered prior to bottling.
“Billiot’s wines are packed with plenty of flavor, yet at their best, they combine their depth with a rare elegance and harmony that sets them apart from many of their peers.” -Peter Liem, Champagneguide.net
*Please note that because Laetitia Billiot disgorges to order, the dates of disgorgment are variable for every bottling.