Delamotte : Blanc de Blancs 2012

A fine mineral and aromatic Champagne by Delamotte

The estate

Founded in 1760, the Delamotte Champagne House is one of the five oldest houses in the Champagne region. Located in the heart of the Côte des Blancs, in Mesnil-sur-Oger, the Delamotte House shares the same goal-oriented approach as the mythical neighbouring house, Salon. Under the direction of Didier Depond, the Houses benefit from the same sales team, a single vineyard division and a shared Cellar Master who all watch over the destiny of the two sister houses. Delamotte is thus one of the few wine merchants to work with passion and respect for the environment, in order to express the unique terroir of Champagne.

The vineyard

The elegant Delamotte style stems from the unique location of its vineyards. All the grapes come from the Grands Crus in the Côte des Blancs, Mesnil-sur-Oger, Oger, Avize and Cramant. Resting on the side of the hill, the vines are planted on chalky soils, giving this champagne an exceptional character and a delicate expression.

The vintage

The year 2012 was marked, from January to June, by a succession of climatic hazards that many winegrowers feared: winter frost, spring frost, very heavy rainfall, hailstorms and cool temperatures during the flowering period.

The summer weather conditions from mid-July onwards helped the grapes to ripen gradually until the harvest. Although yields were low, this 2012 vintage stood out due to its excellent quality.

Vinification and ageing

Each of the terroirs from which this Delamotte Blanc de Blancs 2012 is made boasts its own characteristics which were elevated during the blending process.

If the Mesnil-sur-Oger vineyard brings acidity and a beautiful chalky minerality, the Avize vineyard gives a rare balance and structure. The Oger vineyards bring fullness and generosity to the wine, Cramant the smoky minerality, Chouilly the structure and length and lastly Oiry, the acidity and roundness.

This Blanc de Blancs 2012 is aged on its lees for six years before being put on the market.

The blend

Delamotte's Blanc de Blancs 2012 is a 100% Chardonnay.

The tasting

Colour

The colour is pale gold. The effervescence is very delicate.

Nose

Intense freshness, the nose blends delicious aromas of lemon, English sweets, lychee with delicate notes of white flowers.

Palate

The palate is smooth with a pleasant acidity. The finish showcases a pleasant minerality and is punctuated by a hint of bitter orange.

Food and wine pairing

Delamotte's Blanc de Blancs 2012 goes well with chicken demi-deuil served with truffle flavoured mashed potato, camembert or brie with truffles.

Service

For an optimal tasting experience, serve at 8°C in an elegant tulip-shaped wine glass.