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.
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.
