DELAMOTTE BLANC DE BLANC 2018

Style: Rocks & Minerals

Delamotte is the alter ego, if you like, of Salon, that rare bird of the Cote des Blancs. The company does have 11ha of its own vines and makes a number of its own purchases, but it also inherits all of the Salon wine not required by Salon, which, in years when Salon does not declare, means the entire harvest. Like Salon, it is owned by Laurent Perrier and indeed it was at Delamotte that the Great Bernard de Nonancourt began his career after his distinguished war years. The fresh, smoky non vintage Brut is 50% Chardonnay from Mesnil, Avize, and Oger, plus 30% Grand Cru Pinot Noir from Ambonnay and Bouzy and it lies on its lees for three years. In theory, Delamotte undergoes malolactic fermentation whereas Salon does not. ANDREW JEFFORD, The New France

The 2018 Brut Blanc de Blancs is a blend of fruit from Le Mesnil, Avize, Oger, Cramant, Chouilly and Oiry, six villages in the Côte des Blancs. Crushed rocks, mint, slate, lemon peel and green pear lend notable freshness. Like most wines in this vintage, the Blanc de Blancs is airy and medium bodied in structure, but it shows lovely tension and fine balance. There's plenty of Delamotte class, in an understated style. Dosage is 6 grams per litre. ANTONIO GALLONI, Vinous

Region: Champagne, FRANCE

Variety: Chardonnay

ABV: 12.5%

Liquor Act 2007. It is against the law to sell or supply alcohol to, or to obtain alcohol on behalf of a person under the age of 18 years. Lic No. LIQP770016424

*We endeavour to ensure the correct vintage is displayed, however some variations may occur in store and for delivered bottles.