Founded in 1760 by vineyard owner François Delamotte, Champagne Delamotte is the fifth oldest producer in the region. The House has passed through many generations and even changed name at one point but was re-established as Delamotte in the late 1940s when it came into the hands of the de Nonancourt family. One of the most legendary figures in the Champagne industry, Bernard de Nonancourt managed Delamotte until 1988, when Champagne Laurent-Perrier purchased the business. After also buying the prestigious House of Champagne Salon in 1989, they officially joined the two companies and took over management of both. Next-door neighbours in Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, Champagne Salon and Champagne Delamotte remain sister companies today. Whilst Salon originates from the same twenty plots in Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, Delamotte now owns six hectares in the heart of the Côte des Blancs, including in Avize, Cramant, Le Mesnil-sur-Oger and Oger.

The grapes for the Delamotte champagnes are only from the Grand Cru villages of the Côte des Blancs, and that chalky character from the soils is quite evident in the champagne. Always fermented in stainless-steel tanks and the vintage is at least six years on the lees prior to riddling and disgorgement the champagnes reflect that more steely and linear profile. This long lees time allows the wine time to mellow both structurally and aromatically, creating extremely unique flavours. Just 10% reserve wines and a purposefully low dosage are added to this cuvée, as Delamotte favours allowing the vineyards to express themselves, creating wines with an alluring mineral style.

Weather: The 2012 weather has been hallmarked by many as very challenging but has created some stunning Champagne. Relatively low yields due to various weather conditions throughout the year. The winter months brought some frosts and hail which damaged the early stages of bud burst. August and September were very warm and this helped rescue and give the grapes a stunning maturity.

For only the second time in its 260 year history, the 2012 Blanc de Blancs brings together all six Grands Crus villages of the Côte des Blancs.

Technical Information:
Vineyards: 100% Grand Cru | Avize, Cramant, Oger, Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, Chouilly & Oiry
Grape Varieties: 100% Chardonnay
Lees Ageing: 6 years
Dosage: 6.5 g/l
Disgorged: 2019

Tasting Note: Like many 2012's this has lots of rich fruit showing off. Distinct lemony richness with a hint of smoky reductive quality. Very linear and mineral driven, already quite giving and generous with lots of rich lemon and apple and hints of ripeness with yellow fruit like pineapple. Often these champagnes show well soon after disgorgement and then often close down for a few years. Didier reckons this has long ageing potential. Drink now to 2030.