Delamotte Blanc de Blancs NV

Grape Makeup:

100% Chardonnay

Sweetness Level:

Brut

Ageing on Lees:

4-5 years

Price:

$ (V)

Cellar:

5-10 years

Category:

Celebration

What

The sister house of its Le Mesnil neighbour Salon (which it pre-dates by about 150 years), owned since 1989 by Laurent-Perrier group and gradually developing its own identity as a recherché source of exquisite chardonnay-driven champagnes

Where

Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, Côte des Blancs; mostly chardonnay vineyards from Le Mesnil (grapes for the Blanc de Blanc also come from Oger and Cramant).

Why

Delamotte is a chardonnay specialist and their blanc de blancs is an archetype of the classic clean, vertical style, grown on pure chalky soils. In vintages when Salon is not declared, the fruit usually destined for Salon goes into this blend. In contrast to Salon this NV goes through malolactic fermentation, making it slightly more approachable earlier (and the price point is also substantially more approachable!).

What else

The small production of rosé is well worth seeking out; characterful and almost flamboyant, its red berry fruit is held in check by the precision of Côte des Blancs chardonnay.

Tasting Notes

Quite primary and sherbety, with a spritz of lime, this has a subtle wet clay earthiness beneath, enriched with soothing herbs like lavender and rosemary. An explosive mousse on the entry brings lots of brothy savouriness to the front palate along with a marked citrus rind bitterness – a very salutary opening. The finish is strikingly bitter, retaining its citrus perfume for an exquisitely long finish that fades away gently, leaving subtle notes of yeast on the clean-textured finish.

Try It With

Fresh dishes driven by green (even raw) vegetables.

When To Drink

Apéritif.

Perfect For

The friend who regularly hosts cocktail parties at home.

TL/DR

Clean, citrussy and refreshing.

Supplier

Altaya Wines