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: 2014 was characterised by mild temperatures and frequent rainfall and a few weeks of high temperatures, a very solid vintage with good ripeness and acidity. Flowering began in June and summer was a combination of dry, wet and cold spells. Some regions saw some disease and Meunier in the Marne Valley didn’t have a great year and some of the Pinot Noir with its thinner skin made it more difficult for the red grapes. Harvest took place from 8th to 20th September. A year where it was necessary to select the red grapes carefully to maintain high quality. In general Chardonnay is the star of the vintage.

Delamotte Blanc de Blancs 2014 is only the third release to draw on all six grands crus of the Côte des Blancs. This new blend, a long-held ambition of Didier Depond, was introduced with the 2008 vintage, when Chouilly and Oiry finally joined the original ensemble of Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, Avize, Cramant and Oger.

Technical Information:
Vineyards: 100% Grand Cru | Avize, Cramant, Oger, Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, Chouilly & Oiry
Grape Varieties: 100% Chardonnay
Ageing: 6 years on the lees
Dosage: 6.5 g/l
Disgorged: Spring 2021

Tasting Note: Pristinely crafted, the wine is squeaky clean and radiant, with cool, crunchy lemony fruit at centre stage. Beautiful reductive smoky tones lining the intense fruitiness. The racy palate is pleasantly creamy and silky with a lingering long finish. Tasting note by Essi Avellan MW