The Billecart family has been living in Mareuil-sur-Ay since the 16th century. In 1818, Nicolas Francois Billecart founded the house of Billecart-Salmon which now stands as the oldest continuously family owned and operated house in Champagne. It is currently managed by the seventh generation, brothers Francois and Antoine Roland-Billecart. The cellars are in the hands of renowned chef de cave Francois Domi. Billecart-Salmon owns a total of 15 hectares of vineyards. Eleven of these are in the Vallee de la Marne split between 4 hectares of Grand Cru in Ay and Premier Cru in Mareuil-sur-Ay and 7 ha in the village of Damery. In the Cote des Blancs the family owns 4 ha of Grand Cru vineyards in the villages of Chouilly, Avize and Le Mesnil-sur-Oger. In order to best carry out their harvest with minimal grape handling and transit time, the family owns four press houses. One of the most highly distinguishing features of Billecart-Salmon's operation is their philosophy that an early harvest...
