Billecart-Salmon and The Connaught launch special pairing to celebrate new vintage release

Champagne Billecart-Salmon and The Connaught Hotel in Mayfair have announced a special offering to mark the launch of the Nicolas François 2012 Vintage. Starting from the 11^th of April, 2025, for one month, guests at The Connaught who order a glass of this newly released cuvée will be treated to a complimentary canapé specifically designed to complement the champagne’s profile.

This initiative celebrates the heritage of Champagne Billecart-Salmon, a family-owned Maison established in 1818, and its continuous tradition of crafting exceptional vintages. The 2012 Nicolas François is a blend of Pinot Noir from Montagne de Reims and Chardonnay from Côte des Blancs, noted for its balance and maturity following an exceptional growing season. The vintage can be described as having a rich aromatic finesse, balancing intensity with depth, and is partially vinified in traditional oak casks.

The Connaught pairs this champagne with a canapé of caviar and tuna tartare, chosen to enhance the cuvée’s delicate flavours. Lucas Reynaud-Paligot, Head of Wine at The Connaught, commented: “Paired with this cuvée, I really like the idea of Tuna and Caviar, beautiful texture, to balance between the Pinot Noir and the Chardonnay grapes. Round and fresh that’s the balance and the delicatesse of the tuna and the generosity of the caviar. A true indulgence to enjoy a glass of Nicolas François 2012 at the Connaught Hotel.”

Mathieu Roland-Billecart, head of the Champagne house and a descendant of the founders, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, “The Connaught Hotel serves only the finest food and wines to the most demanding guests in the world. At Billecart-Salmon, we pride ourselves on producing exceptional tasting experiences and naturally, they taste even better when enjoyed in the most beautiful places. We therefore had to celebrate this with our friends at the Connaught Hotel.”

Champagne Billecart-Salmon remains dedicated to its founding motto, “Give priority to quality, strive for excellence,” a principle that has guided the Maison through more than two centuries in the highly competitive champagne industry. 

This initiative underscores the shared values and heritage symbolized by the greyhound emblem seen on both the champagne house and the hotel.

Food Desk

For further information on The Connaught, visit the hotel’s website here. For more about the 2012 Nicolas François Vintage, visit Billecart-Salmon’s website here.