In the heart of the Champagne region, where the rolling vineyards paint a picturesque landscape, lies the illustrious Champagne Salon & Delamotte. Established at a time when the enthusiasm for sparkling wine was gaining prominence, the history of this winery is woven into the very fabric of the region.
The Birth of Salon: A Pioneer in Excellence
The story begins in the early 20th century when a visionary named Eugène-Aimé Salon sought to create something extraordinary. In 1905, he founded Champagne Salon with a singular focus: crafting a Champagne that would stand apart from the rest. Salon took an unconventional approach by producing only vintage Champagne, a daring decision that set the stage for uniqueness and exclusivity.
Salon’s commitment to excellence extended to the vineyards. He meticulously selected Chardonnay grapes from the esteemed Côte des Blancs, embracing the belief that this noble grape, with its finesse and purity, could produce a Champagne that mirrored the essence of the terroir.
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Surviving the Tests of Time
The winery faced its first major test just as its reputation was solidifying. The outbreak of World War I disrupted the Champagne industry, but Salon persisted, weathering the storm with resilience. The dedication to crafting exceptional Champagne never wavered, even during the challenging times of economic downturns and global conflicts.
Champagne Salon rose to prominence in the aftermath of World War II when the 1928 vintage was finally released in 1949, marking a triumphant return to the market. This extraordinary Champagne, aged for over two decades, captured the hearts of connoisseurs and affirmed Salon’s commitment to time-honoured traditions.
Delamotte: A Sibling with Distinction
As Salon carved its legacy, another chapter of excellence was being written by Delamotte. Established in 1760, Delamotte predates Salon, making it one of the oldest Champagne houses in the region. While Salon was focused solely on Chardonnay, Delamotte embraced a broader approach, producing a range of Champagne styles, including Blanc de Blancs, Blanc de Noirs, and Rosé.
Throughout its history, Delamotte underwent various transitions, but its unwavering commitment to quality remained constant. The house consistently sourced grapes from premier vineyards, showcasing a dedication to expressing the unique character of each terroir within its diverse portfolio of Champagnes.
The Merger: Uniting Traditions
In 1988, the paths of Salon and Delamotte converged when the Laurent-Perrier Group acquired both houses. This merger allowed the distinct qualities of each to complement the other, creating a harmonious balance between Salon’s singular pursuit of perfection and Delamotte’s versatile expressions of Champagne.
Champagne Salon & Delamotte, under the careful guidance of the Laurent-Perrier Group, continues to honour the legacies of its founders. The history of this exceptional winery is a testament to the enduring spirit of craftsmanship and the pursuit of perfection that defines the Champagne region.
Terroir Unveiled: The Essence of Champagne Salon & Delamotte
The Terroir of Côte des Blancs: A Chardonnay Haven
To understand the essence of Champagne Salon & Delamotte, one must delve into the terroir of the Côte des Blancs. This revered subregion, located in the heart of Champagne, is celebrated for its chalky soils and a climate ideal for cultivating Chardonnay. Salon’s commitment to using only Chardonnay grapes from this prestigious terroir speaks to its desire to create a Champagne that embodies the purity and finesse of this noble grape.
The chalky soils of Côte des Blancs impart a unique minerality to the grapes, contributing to the vibrant acidity and crispness found in Salon’s Champagnes. The meticulous vineyard management practices ensure that only the finest grapes are harvested, capturing the true essence of this exceptional terroir.
Unique Expressions of Terroir: Salon’s Vintage Champagnes
Champagne Salon distinguishes itself by producing only vintage champagne. Each release reflects the nuances of a specific year, offering a snapshot of the climatic conditions and the character of the grapes harvested. This commitment to vintage production sets Salon apart, allowing connoisseurs to journey through time with every bottle.
The ageing process further enhances the terroir expression in Salon’s Champagnes. Extended-lees ageing imparts a distinctive creaminess and complexity, creating a Champagne that evolves gracefully over time. The result is a series of unique and highly sought-after vintages that showcase the unparalleled quality of Côte des Blancs.
Delamotte’s Terroir Tapestry: Versatility in Expression
Delamotte, with its longer history, embraces a broader approach to terroir expression. While also rooted in the Côte des Blancs, Delamotte’s vineyard sources extend to other premier crus in the Champagne region. This diversity allows Delamotte to craft a range of champagnes that showcase the unique character of different terroirs.
Blanc de Blancs, Blanc de Noirs, and Rosé expressions from Delamotte each tell a distinct story. The Blanc de Blancs highlights the purity of Chardonnay, the Blanc de Noirs showcases the richness of Pinot Noir, and the Rosé captures the elegance of a carefully balanced blend. This versatility in expression is a testament to Delamotte’s commitment to embracing the complexity of Champagne’s terroir.
Iconic Wines: Salon’s Le Mesnil and Delamotte’s Blanc de Blancs
Within the portfolio of Champagne Salon & Delamotte, two wines stand out as true icons: Salon’s Le Mesnil and Delamotte’s Blanc de Blancs.
Salon’s Le Mesnil, named after the renowned village in the Côte des Blancs, epitomises the pinnacle of Salon’s craftsmanship. Produced exclusively in exceptional vintages, Le Mesnil is a Blanc de Blancs that showcases the purity and precision of Chardonnay from this illustrious terroir. Each bottle is a testament to Salon’s unwavering commitment to producing the finest vintage Champagne.
On the other hand, Delamotte’s Blanc de Blancs is a celebration of the versatility and richness of the Chardonnay grape. Sourced from prime vineyards across the Champagne region, this wine captures the essence of Delamotte’s approach to terroir expression. With its crisp acidity and vibrant fruit character, Blanc de Blancs is a true reflection of Delamotte’s dedication to crafting exceptional Champagnes.
In the vineyards of Côte des Blancs and beyond, Champagne Salon & Delamotte continues to write its story. The terroir, with its chalky soils and unique microclimates, provides the canvas upon which these exceptional Champagnes are painted. As the winery preserves tradition and embraces the nuances of each terroir, Salon & Delamotte’s wines stand as a testament to the timeless allure of Champagne.
The 2013 Salon is the most recent to be released as of September 2023; other vintages from 1921 to the present have been released as follows: 1921, 1925, 1928, 1934, 1937, 1943, 1945, 1946, 1947, 1948, 1949, 1951, 1952, 1953, 1955, 1959, 1961, 1964, 1973, 1976, 1979, 1982, 1983, 1985, 1988, 1990, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1999, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2007, 2008 (available only in magnum format), 2012, and 2013.
