Ambonnay was one of the first five Grand Crus in Champagne, and Laetitia Billiot is the fourth generation of her family to estate-bottle here. Five hectares of 50-plus-year-old vines on limestone, clay, and chalk. Pinot Noir leads at 75%, fermented and aged in stainless with no malo and 36 months on the lees, so the fruit stays taut and the chalk comes through clean. Grand Cru grower Champagne with nothing borrowed and nothing hidden.
Winemaker Notes
Practicing organic 75% Pinot Noir, 25% Chardonnay 50% 2021, 50% 2020-2019 From Ambonnay Grand Cru 50+ year old vines Limestone, clay, and chalk soils No malo Fermented and aged in stainless steel Aged 36 months on the lees Dosage: 8.5g/L
Tasting Notes
Ambonnay, one of the first 5 Grand Cru in Champagne, is located in the heart of the Côte des Noirs, on the south- ern slopes of the Montagne de Reims. Its hills are renowned for the richness of their Pinots Noirs and Chardonnay. All the work on our plots is done in a reasoned manner, always with a concern for quality and respect for ancestral environmental methods. (plowing, reasoned wrestling, trimming the Chablis method, etc.) The work of our wines is done in a traditional way, without malolactic fermentation or filtration.
Professional Ratings
91
James Suckling"This balanced and gently yeasty Champagne has aromas of bread crust, smoked tea and wild berries. The bubbles are creamy on the palate. Dry feel. 75% pinot noir and 25% chardonnay from Ambonnay. Disgorged July 2024. 8.5 g/L dosage. Drink now."
91
Jeb Dunnuck"Bright yellow/silver, the NV Champagne Grand Cru Reserve Brut is 75% Pinot Noir and the rest Chardonnay fermented and aged in stainless steel. Very well-detailed on the nose, with pure notes of pomegranate, red berries, fresh flowers, brioche, and grapefruit, it moves seamlessly to the palate, which is inviting and pure, with a clean, chalky finish. Juicy and fruity in this vintage, it has a lot to offer over the next 6-7 years."
90
Vinous"The NV Brut Réserve is a terrific introduction to this range. Pear, mint, white pepper, slate and lemon oil confer brightness as well as a good bit of energy. All the elements are very nicely balanced. Dosage is 8 grams per liter. Disgorged: May 19, 2025."
90
Wine Spectator"Flavors of white raspberry, grapefruit pith, dried white cherry and almond are set in a tangy frame of firm acidity as they ride the lively mousse. Salty, with hints of licorice and pastry dough that enrich the finish. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Disgorged July 2024. 500 cases imported. - AN"
About the Producer
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
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.
