Deep gold color; apple, citrus, abundant white flowers, bread yeast on the nose; stone fruits, lemon and citrus, minerality, tart cherry note on the palate.
Brut; classic blend of 55% chardonnay, 35% pinot noir, 10% pinot meunier. Mouthwatering acidity. Fresh, bright, serious sparkling. All vinification in stainless steel. Delamotte’s chardonnay vine blocks grow in pure chalk soils, and the chalky sensation and minerality are fundamental characteristics of this effort. Acknowledging that such terroir can produce austere wines, Delamotte allows the wine to mature on the lees for up to five years. The statutory minimum is 15 months.
Delamotte’s decisions mitigate the austerity and emphasize the bread yeast on the nose. They also generate elegance and finesse. Medium body. Vigorous mousse. Hint of salinity on the extended finish. This is a top Champagne house that knows how to deliver richness, concentration, a purity of fruit; 12% ABV.
Delamotte was founded in 1760 by François Delamotte, making it the fifth-oldest house in Champagne. Relatively small scale for Champagne, it is located in the heart of the Côte des Blancs in Mesnil-sur-Oger, a location legendary for chardonnay. Laurent-Perrier acquired the house in 1988. That made it is the “sister house” to the also acclaimed Champagne Salon in the same village, and Delamotte became sometimes regarded as Salon’s “second wine.” This does not do Delamotte justice. Both Delamotte and Salon are masters of chardonnay-based bubbly.
Delamotte proclaims its mission is to produce wines with bold simplicity. The focus on freshness and character, and for wines that can be enjoyed “just for the pleasure of it.” Their motto is “vive et me ama” (live and love me). This bottle accomplishes their goal of the past three centuries. It is one wine lovers should experience at least once in their wine lives. And after if you do, don’t be surprised when you come back for more.
Champagne Delamotte Brut NV is citrus and stone-fruit focused. Classic Champagne at affordable price (for Champagne). Excellent acidity, tangy notes of citrus, and fruit pureness gives it opportunity to pair with a sweep of foods. Works as aperitif, but this versatile offering will pair with everything from oysters (a classic pairing); grilled fish; lobster; fried chicken and fried fish; fish tacos; triple-cream cheese; lobster. $46-50
