Delamotte Blanc de Blancs 2018

Winery Background and History

Founded in 1760, Champagne Delamotte is one of the oldest Champagne houses, located in Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, in the heart of the Côte des Blancs. The house is renowned for its elegant, Chardonnay-driven Champagnes that express the purity and minerality of the region’s chalky soils. Delamotte is the sister house of the prestigious Salon Champagne, and both are under the ownership of the Laurent-Perrier group. The close relationship with Salon allows Delamotte access to exceptional Grand Cru vineyards, enhancing the quality of its wines.

Producer and Winemaker

Champagne Delamotte operates under the guidance of Didier Depond, who also oversees Champagne Salon. The winemaking team focuses on minimal intervention to highlight the natural expression of Chardonnay from the Grand Cru vineyards. Fermentation occurs in stainless steel tanks to preserve freshness, and the wines undergo extended aging on lees to develop complexity. This approach results in Champagnes that are both refined and expressive.

Vineyards and Micro Climate

The 2018 Blanc de Blancs is crafted exclusively from Chardonnay grapes sourced from six Grand Cru villages in the Côte des Blancs: Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, Avize, Oger, Cramant, Chouilly, and Oiry. These vineyards are characterized by their pure chalk soils, which impart a distinctive minerality to the wines. The region’s cool continental climate, with significant diurnal temperature variations, allows for the development of grapes with high acidity and aromatic complexity, essential for producing age-worthy Champagnes.

Vinification & Aging Methods

Grapes are hand-harvested and gently pressed to extract the finest juice. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks to maintain the purity of the fruit. The wine undergoes malolactic fermentation and is aged on its lees for approximately four years before disgorgement. A dosage of 5 grams per liter is added to balance the wine’s acidity, resulting in a Brut style that showcases both freshness and depth.

Tasting Notes

The 2018 Delamotte Blanc de Blancs exhibits a pale golden hue with a fine, persistent mousse. The nose offers aromas of Meyer lemon tart, fresh white peach, butter biscuits, chalk dust, and hints of honey. On the palate, it is subtly creamy, light to medium-bodied, with concentrated lemony orchard fruit flavors, brightened by incisive acidity and mouthwatering salinity. The finish is long and balanced, with a taut mineral note. 

Food & Wine Pairing

This Blanc de Blancs pairs excellently with a variety of dishes, including shellfish, grilled fish, and fresh salads. Its crisp acidity and citrus notes complement tangy goat cheese and feta, while its fruit-forward profile enhances dishes with citrus-based sauces or herbal accents. Asian cuisine, particularly dishes featuring lemongrass or ginger, also harmonizes well with this wine.

Service Methods and Temperatures

Serve the wine well-chilled at 8°C to 10°C (46°F to 50°F) in medium-sized white wine glasses to fully appreciate its aromatic complexity and balance. No decanting is necessary; however, allowing the wine to breathe for a few minutes after opening can enhance its bouquet.

Storage and Aging Potential

Store bottles in a cool, dark place with consistent temperature and humidity. The 2018 vintage is best enjoyed within 2 to 3 years of release to capture its vibrant freshness and aromatic intensity. While it can be consumed immediately, proper storage will maintain its quality over the short term.

Grape Varietals & Percentage Used

100% Chardonnay

ABV (Alcohol by Volume)

12.5%

Scores

• Wine Spectator: 95 points

• Wine Advocate: 93 points

• James Suckling: 92 points

• Jeb Dunnuck: 94 points

• The Wine Independent: 93+ points