DELAMOTTE

The house of Delamotte is located in the Côte des Blancs, in the village of Le Mesnil-sur-Oger. A Grand Cru rated site, it was founded by François Delamotte in 1760, making it the fifth-oldest champagne house in the region. In 1988, Delamotte joined forces with the very famous Champagne Salon, under the umbrella of parent company, Laurent-Perrier.

Though managed separately, both have enjoyed the stewardship, since 1997, of the meticulous Didier Depond, who oversees all aspects of the two houses, located side-by-side in Le Mesnil-sur-Oger. 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 was born in Tours in 1964 into a Loire Valley winemaking family. After completing his business studies, Didier joined Laurent-Perrier in 1986, working in Paris as a sales representative for the house. His passion for the finer things was encouraged when he took charge of Laurent-Perrier’s distribution company in France, working with Taylor’s Ports, Marqués de Riscal wines and some of the finest expressions from Bordeaux and Burgundy.

The Delamotte Brut NV is a blend of 60% Chardonnay, 35% Pinot Noir and 5% Pinot Meunier. With its robust yet subtle, structure and superb balance, this is an elegant champagne. Delamotte’s Blanc de Blancs is 100% Chardonnay sourced from three Grands Crus – le Mesnil-sur-Oger, Avise and Oger. Aged for 48 months on lees, it’s a full-bodied style of Blanc de Blancs with impressive delicacy and finesse.

The Delamotte Blanc de Blancs Vintage is currently the 2014. A blend from six Grands Crus, this is a vivacious champagne made with Chardonnay and destined for long-term cellaring. The fourth cuvée, Delamotte Rosé is a blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Boasting a magnificent salmon-pink colour, this is a deceptively delicate champagne, with the structure behind that charm to see it match perfectly with a wide range of foods.

With over 250 years of history, it’s the quality of the Delamotte wines that tell the real story; elegant and refined, with a classic purity and a style that is sublimely understated. Robert Parker has referred to Delamotte as ‘one of the best buys in exquisitely crafted champagne.’