Imagine Italian cuisine meeting French champagne. The result? An unforgettable culinary journey at Lucciola.

Following the resounding success of the 2023 event, Lucciola once again hosted Billecart-Salmon for a culinary journey. Chef Michele Casadei Massari has curated a seven-course tasting menu paired with the latest releases from this Champagne House, including highlights like the 2012 Billecart-Salmon Elisabeth Rosé Vintage and the 2012 Louis Salmon Blanc de Blancs.

A Family Legacy of Excellence

Billecart-Salmon, a unique and independent house that has existed for over two centuries, is renowned worldwide for its commitment to quality. Their motto, "Give priority to quality, strive for excellence," resonates throughout their champagnes and perfectly aligns with Lucciola’s values. Founded in 1818 by husband and wife Nicolas François Billecart and Elisabeth Salmon, along with Elisabeth's brother Louis, the House remains family-owned. Today, the 7th generation, led by Mathieu Roland-Billecart, continues the tradition of excellence.

Unwavering Dedication to Quality

Billecart-Salmon's dedication to quality begins in the vineyard. They meticulously select grapes from over 300 hectares across 40 different Champagne crus, all within a 20km radius of Epernay. This region is known for producing exceptional Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Meunier grapes – the foundation of Billecart-Salmon's champagnes.

The Millésime: Iconic Brut Rosé, Blanc de Blanc, and the Exclusive Clos Saint-Hilaire

The iconic Brut Rosé, a sensual blend of red fruit and citrus zest notes, is a cornerstone of Billecart-Salmon's reputation. Its creation and vinification methods are closely guarded secrets, passed down since the House's origin.

The Blanc de Blanc was named in tribute to Louis, Elisabeth Salmon’s brother, who was passionate about enology and highly involved in winemaking from the earliest creation of the House. Originating from the best parcels of the Côte des Blancs, the Blanc de Blancs vintage is endowed with purity and minerality.

Distinguished elegance of a mineral and exceptionally precise Chardonnay with a natural balance that is a harmonious representation of the best parcels of grand crus of Côte des Blancs: Cramant, Chouilly for the finesse, Avize for the force of character and Mesnil-sur-Oger for the structure and longevity

The pinnacle of Billecart-Salmon's exclusivity is the Clos Saint-Hilaire cuvée. This exceptional champagne, rare and complex, comes from a single hectare of Pinot Noir vines, meticulously cultivated for over 50 years within a walled parcel. The 1995 vintage was the first limited release of this cuvée, known for its rare complexity and freshness.

The Menu

Chevice di Trota e Sedano: Fresh trout ceviche with crisp celery and citrus vinaigrette paired with the NV Blanc de Blancs.

Caviale e Crudo di Fassona: Caviar over thinly sliced Fassona beef with olive oil and lemon, paired with the 2012 Elisabeth Rosé.

Risotto Unaghi e Caponata: Creamy risotto with eel and Sicilian caponata, paired with the 2012 Louis Salmon Blanc de Blancs.

Crudo di Gamberi Aglio e Olio Spaghettone: Al dente spaghetti with raw shrimp, garlic, and olive oil emulsion, paired with the 2009 Blanc de Blancs.

Scaloppine di Vitello al Tartufo: Veal scaloppini with shaved truffles and truffle butter sauce, paired with Billecart-Salmon Cinq.

Cotoletta Petroniana: Breaded veal cutlet with Parma ham, Parmigiano Reggiano, and truffle oil, paired with the 2012 Elisabeth Rosé.

Selezione di Formaggi Alta Langa e Biscotti al Cioccolato di Antonio Mattei: Assortment of Alta Langa cheeses with chocolate biscotti, paired with Clos Saint-Hilaire.

Line-Up of Wines

Brut Rosé NY: This cuvée is an ideal partner as an aperitif and can accompany a wild salmon dish or sushi dish. With its subtle and gourmet aromas, this cuvée is a reference point amongst rosé champagnes.

Blanc de Blanc NV: This cuvée has been elaborated from the four Grand Cru vineyards of the Côte des Blancs: Avize, Chouilly, Cramant, Mesnil-sur-Oger. The creamy sensation of the bubbles combines with buttered brioche and mineral aromas. It has a persistent finish with a fresh and elegant sweetness.

Louis Salmon Blanc de Blancs 2012: The nose offered aromas of almond, hazelnut, fresh bread, and white flowers. The palate revealed ripe peach, pear, tart green apple, chalky minerality, citrus, vanilla, and sweet spice. Rich and complex, this wine promises excellent aging potential.

Louis Salmon Blanc de Blancs 2009: The nose was filled with almonds, frangipani, dried lemons, apricots, pastries, and white chocolate. The palate was complex, with notes of salted caramel, creamy bubbles, and a chalky finish.

Elisabeth Salmon Rosé 2012: Mandarin, blood orange, Reinette apple tart, and wild raspberry dominated the nose. The palate presented refined complexity with flavors of citron zest, red and white currants, citrus peel, and red berry jelly.

Elisabeth Salmon Rosé 2009: The nose revealed grapefruit pith, cherry stones, dried roses, white pepper, and pastries. The palate displayed dried red and citrus fruits, spice, and toast, complemented by fine bubbles and elegance.

Clos Saint-Hilaire Brut Millésime 2007: This rare and complex Blanc de Noirs from a single enclosed parcel offered profound flavors and great aging potential.

N°Cinq Pinot Noir Extra Brut: Sourced from five historic terroirs, this champagne from Billecart-Salmon's innovative Les Rendez-vous range showcased precision and purity with its 100% Pinot Noir composition.

Guests enjoyed a range of Billecart-Salmon champagnes, including NV, 2012, and 2009 Rosé and Blanc de Blancs editions. The 100% Pinot Noir Cinq and the rare Clos Saint-Hilaire, from a small parcel within the Billecart-Salmon property, were also featured. The Billecart-Salmon USA Brand Ambassador Pierre Chichportiche provided insights into each wine, enriching the experience.

A Night to Remember and An Exciting Future

The Billecart-Salmon wine dinner at Lucciola celebrates fine dining and exceptional champagne. The thoughtful pairings and the ambassador's insights elevated the experience, transforming it into an evening of discovery and delight. This event showcases the magic created by culinary art and winemaking excellence, leaving guests with lasting memories of exquisite flavors and Billecart-Salmon's finest champagnes. Here's to many more unforgettable evenings at Lucciola!

Save the Date: An Exclusive Clos Saint-Hilaire Experience

We are excited to announce our collaboration with Billecart-Salmon on another extremely exclusive dinner featuring a lineup never seen in the USA. This unique event will showcase a selection of Clos Saint-Hilaire cuvées alongside other prestigious Billecart-Salmon wines and a new House release.

Stay tuned for details!