The assemblage of Billecart-Salmon Brut Réserve has not changed since 1945. It is composed of 40 percent Pinot Meunier and 30 percent Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, sourced from as many as 28 different communes, all of which scored above 94/100 on the Cru scale. Billecart-Salmon ages the wine in the bottle "sur lies" for at least 30 months before dégorgement, letting the bottles rest in the shelter of a branched and extensive network of cellars carved out of chalk and dating back to the 17th and 19th centuries. Brilliant straw yellow in color, in the glass, it reveals a fine and persistent perlage. The nose reveals intense aromas of white-fleshed fruits, such as ripe pear, and white flowers. In the mouth, however, from the very first taste one discovers a wine characterized by great freshness. It is also distinguished by perfect balance and great harmony. Brut Réserve is the ideal Champagne as an aperitif, although it has enough stuff to hold its own (and well) when paired with fish dishes, shellfish and crustaceans.