Billecart-Salmon Champagne: Enhancing the Game Shooting Tradition

At Billecart-Salmon, we’ve always believed that great moments deserve to be celebrated with exceptional Champagne. There are few traditions as quintessentially British—and as full of camaraderie and hospitality—as a day in the field, and few moments finer than elevenses to pause, reflect, and enjoy the company of fellow sportsmen and women.

Elevenses: A Ritual of Refinement

That mid-morning pause between drives is more than just a break—it’s a cherished ritual. Traditionally marked by warming tipples and hearty fare, elevenses is the perfect time to bring an extra touch of sophistication to the field. And what could be more fitting than a glass of Billecart-Salmon?

Like the sport of game shooting itself, our Champagne is rooted in heritage, craftsmanship, and precision. Since 1818, our family-owned house has been dedicated to crafting wines of purity, finesse, and character—qualities that resonate deeply with the traditions of the British countryside.

A Selection Tailored for the Field

To elevate the shoot day experience, we’ve selected three of our finest cuvées, each offering a distinct character to suit the flow of the day.

Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru: A Bright Start to the Day

The cool, crisp morning air calls for something equally fresh and invigorating. Our Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru, crafted solely from Chardonnay sourced from the Côte des Blancs’ finest Grand Cru vineyards, offers remarkable elegance and minerality. With its lively citrus notes and delicate floral character, it’s the perfect match for light canapés—think smoked salmon or a warm gougère—providing a refreshing lift as you prepare for the next drive.

Brut Sous Bois: Depth and Warmth for Midday

As appetites build, the richness of our Brut Sous Bois comes into its own. Fermented entirely in oak, this cuvée offers layers of complexity, with notes of brioche, roasted nuts, and gentle spice. It pairs beautifully with the more robust flavours of a traditional elevenses spread: game terrine, warm sausage rolls, or a decadent pâté. Its generous texture and structure make it the ideal companion as the day unfolds.

Cuvée Nicolas François 2012: A Toast to the Day

Every exceptional day deserves an exceptional finale. Our Cuvée Nicolas François 2012 is just that—a prestige cuvée crafted only in outstanding vintages, and aged for over a decade in our cellars. With a remarkable balance of freshness and complexity, this wine reveals layers of orchard fruit, toasted hazelnuts, and subtle spice. Whether enjoyed as a celebratory toast at the day’s end or alongside the post-shoot feast, it is a cuvée that embodies legacy, elegance, and celebration.

A Tradition Worth Celebrating

At Billecart-Salmon, we see Champagne not simply as a drink, but as a way to elevate moments of joy, camaraderie, and tradition. When you next head into the field, we invite you to make elevenses a moment to savour, with a glass of Billecart-Salmon in hand.

Here’s to great sport, great company, and the enduring pleasure of tradition.