H. Billiot & Fils is a small Champagne “grower-producer” cellar from Ambonnay, one of the “grand cru” villages of Montagne de Reims to the southeast of Reims. Champagne from this region is generally made from Pinot Noir, as Henri Billiot generally does too, but his non-vintage Cuvèe Laetitia is primarily made from Chardonnay with a small percentage of Pinot Noir added for body. Cuvèe Laetitia Brut is named after Mssr. Billiot’s daughter, Laetitia. And if she is like her namesake Champagne, his daughter Laetitia must be lovely, effervescent, and quite charming. It is pale straw in the flute with playful rivulets of tight bubbles. Dry with a complex structure of lemony citrus, notes of flint, fresh biscuits, a creamy texture, and lengthy finish. Delicate and invigorating, Laetitia stands up as an aperitif as well as a pleasant companion to shellfish, fish, and poultry with dinner.

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