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The champagne producer Jean Roland-Billecart has passed away at the age of 102. This was announced by his family and the champagne house Billecart-Salmon in Ay-Champagne. Known as "Monsieur Jean," the winemaker belonged to the fifth generation of the Maison founded in 1818 and led it from 1963 to 1993. His career began in 1940 as a cellar master. After returning from forced conscription to labor service in Germany, he initially took on administrative and commercial tasks before becoming the head of the company in 1963.
Roland-Billecart shaped the style of the house: in 1953, he introduced low-temperature vinification, which remains a characteristic feature of the house to this day. In the 1970s, he renewed the rosé cuvée and initiated the development of the Elisabeth Salmon Vintage Rosé in 1988. After handing over the management to his son François, he served as chairman of the supervisory board until 2018 and remained closely connected to the company, including in the tasting committee.
(ru – Image: Billecart-Salmon)