Grape: Chardonnay 
Region: Champagne, France
Ageing Potential: 5-10 years
Perfect with: Rock Oysters
Size: 750mL

Why You’ll Love It?

With a history of more than 250 years, Delamotte is the 5th oldest champagne house in the world. Since 1988 it became the sister house to the legendary Salon estate under the Laurent-Pierrer group. Like Salon, Delamotte is a chardonnay specialist. Whilst its NV and Roses do contain pinot, it’s its Blanc de Blancs that are the real stars of this champagne house.

When Salon does not declare a vintage, the wines go to Delamotte, Salon’s sister property and neighbor. Because of that, the Delamotte Champagnes are often mentioned as an after thought. That is a shame, because the Delamotte Champagnes deserve to be appreciated on their own terms. This is what we’ll demonstrate with this fantastic 2008 vintage.

Stylistically, the two houses produce very different champagnes. Whilst Salon tends to make very austere champagnes made for ageing for decades, Delamotte tends to be more approachable as its made from grapes sourced across several grand cru villages of Cote de Blanc - Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, Oger, Avize and Cramant. Unlike Salon, Delamotte sees full malolactic fermentation, which softens the edges and gives it the creaminess to drink well with minimal cellaring.

The 2008 vintage was aged on lees for 9 years before release. Ageing a champagne on its lees is part of the champagne making process where the favours are developed. The longer the champagne remains in contact with the yeast particles, the more complex flavours are imparted. As with Salon, all base wines at Delamotte are matured in stainless steel tanks. Seriously underrated champagne house that’s excellent value for money.