My Favorite Champagne: Champagne Billecart-Salmon Brut Rosé

Champagne Billecart-Salmon Brut Rosé

My wife and I love champagne and sparkling wines. The right bottle of bubbly is the perfect way to celebrate special occasions or to elevate an otherwise ordinary evening. For our honeymoon in 2019 we bashed about the Champagne Houses in the Champagne region of France. One missed opportunity was to tour Champagne House Billecart-Salmon because they were closed during our time there. This Champagne House produces my favorite non-vintage bottle of Champagne which is the Champagne Billecart-Salmon Brut Rosé. Recently, I was gifted a bottle in celebration of transitioning to a new position and I decided to deep dive into this Champagne and share why I love it and what you might pair it with.

Established in 1818 by Nicolas François Billecart and Elisabeth Salmon—who were married in the same year—this mid-size Champagne house in Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, France remains family owned and operated for over six generations.

The key moment that led to the creation of my favorite Champagne—the Brut Rosé— occurred in the 1970s when Jean Roland-Billecart boldly decided to work on a Champagne Brut Rosé which at the time was out of fashion. What he created was a pale pink in color Champagne distinguished by its “freshness and flavor of subtle notes of red berries”.

Made from a blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier, and Pinot Noir, the Champagne Brut Rosé is now the Billecart-Salmon’s flagship cuvée.

I love this champagne because it’s so festive, the color is beautiful and the packing is lovely. What really sets it apart is its incredible flavor. Well balanced, really well rounded mouth feel and a light fruit flavor.

I enjoy Champagne on its own, it makes a nice pre-or post-dinner drink. If you’re looking to pair with food, it will compliment well with a number of dishes. First and foremost, when I pair Champagne with food I tend towards charcuterie/light bite types of food. Caviar, cheeses (soft and hard go well), oysters, and crab. For a meal you might go with grilled fish, lobster, or grilled chicken without sauce.

Champagne Billecart-Salmon Brut Rosé Vegan Pairings

Champagne Billecart-Salmon Brut Rosé is celebrated for its elegance, finesse, and beautifully expressive profile, making it an exceptional choice for thoughtful vegan pairings. With aromas of wild strawberries, red currants, citrus zest, and delicate floral notes, this Champagne offers a lively acidity and a silky, refined mousse that lends itself especially well to fresh, plant-based dishes.

One of the most natural vegan pairings is fruit-forward and lightly savory fare. Think thinly sliced watermelon or strawberry carpaccio finished with flaky sea salt, cracked pepper, and a drizzle of aged balsamic. The wine’s red berry character mirrors the fruit while its acidity cuts through sweetness, creating a balanced and refreshing bite. Similarly, a citrus and fennel salad with blood oranges, shaved fennel, fresh herbs, and olive oil plays beautifully with the Champagne’s bright, zesty finish.

For something a bit more substantial, consider dishes with gentle umami and texture. A beet tartare with capers, Dijon, and chives echoes the rosé’s earthy and berry-driven undertones while maintaining elegance. Crispy rice cakes topped with avocado, yuzu, or lemon zest provide contrast and allow the wine’s fine bubbles to shine. Mushroom-based dishes—such as roasted oyster mushrooms or a light mushroom pâté with toasted sourdough—highlight the Champagne’s subtle depth without overpowering its delicacy.

Vegan cheeses also pair wonderfully with Billecart-Salmon Brut Rosé. Look for nut-based cheeses with a mild tang or soft, creamy texture, especially those infused with herbs or pink peppercorns. The Champagne’s acidity cleanses the palate, while its gentle fruit notes complement the richness of the cheese.

To finish, a lightly sweet pairing such as a raspberry almond tart or dark chocolate-dipped strawberries can be stunning, provided the dessert isn’t overly sweet. Overall, Billecart-Salmon Brut Rosé rewards restraint and balance, making it a beautiful companion to elegant, seasonal vegan cuisine that highlights freshness, texture, and nuance.

Raise a glass and cheers to this lovely Champagne! Let me know in the comments below what your favorite champagne is and how you pair it.