DELAMOTTE

Established in 1760, the refined and elegant Delamotte is one of Champagne’s best kept secrets. The majority of its vineyards are Chardonnay and all are Grand cru status. In 1988, Delamotte joined forces with Salon. Though managed separately, both enjoy the stewardship of Didier Depond, who oversees all aspects of the two houses, which are located side-by-side in Les Mesnil.

This familial spirit has its advantages: the stratospheric Salon is made only from the very best vintages, and in tiny quantities. In the years it is not made, the first right to its fruit goes to Delamotte. Didier Depond describes Delamotte as an exercise in balance, power and grace.

Originally established by François Delamotte, the house ended up in the hands of the Lanson family in 1856, thus creating the beginnings of the house of Lanson. Marie-Louise Lanson bequeathed the then small house of Laurent-Perrier to her son Bernard de Nonancourt, and Delamotte to her other son, Charles, who in 1988 sold his property to the Laurent-Perrier group.

Aged for six years, the 2012 Blanc de Blancs is exceptional. 20% was sourced from Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, providing acidity, purity and a chalky note; 20% is from Avize, which delivers balance and structure; 20% comes from Oger, bestowing warmth, body and generosity, while Cramant adds a smoky minerality and Chouilly robust notes and length. Sensational in bottle, and even better in the magnum.