Champagne Delamotte Brut NV
Delamotte was founded in Reims in 1760 by vineyard owner François Delamotte, a vineyard owner. At more than 250 years old, it is the fifth oldest house in Champagne. Alexandre Delamotte brought the cellars, caves, and offices of the House of Delamotte to a beautiful mansion at the end of the 18th century and in 1828, his brother, Nicolas Louis Delamotte, also known as the Chevalier Delamotte Barrachin, assumed management of the House. In his tenure with the Chamber of Commerce, Nicolas was well known for hosting spectacular events, namely the coronation of France’s last king, Charles X. The House was sold to the Lanson family in the 1830s, who later started producing a Lanson label. It was eventually acquired by Marie-Louise de Nonancourt, née Lanson, in the period between the two world wars. In 1927, Marie-Louise made the decision to transfer the activities of the house of Delamottte to Mesnil-sur-Oger. The management of the company was entrusted to the capable hands of Marie-Louise’s youngest son, Charles de Nonancourt. It was Charles who established the golden rules for the business: ensure a consistent quality by purposefully limiting production and maintain at least three harvests in the cellars at all times. In 1988, the House of Delamotte joined forces with the still enigmatic Champagne Salon under the umbrella of the parent company, Laurent-Perrier, led by Charles’ brother, Bernard. Today, the House of Delamotte and its sister company Champagne Salon are under the direction of Didier Depond. Delamotte has been recognized for its commitment to environment-friendly farming practices with an Haute Valeur Environmentale certification from OCACIA.
Its extremely pure nose, with notes of citrus, white flowers, lemon rind, and moss, makes it perfect for all occasions. Its delicate effervescence exudes a creamy freshness. “Generous and clean” is what comes to mind when it first hits the palate.
An orchestra of three grape varieties plays a particularly balanced score. The 60% Chardonnay content forms the backbone of its structure while the 35% Pinot Noir from Tours-sur-Marne, Bouzy and Ambonnay give it depth and fruit. The 5% Pinot Meunier perfects these harmonies with aromatic density. Without ever assaulting the palate, this is a beautifully powerful champagne. Freshness and roundness merge to deliver a clean, fruity finish, with well ballanced and elegant length on the palate. A light dosage is added to Delamotte Brut champagne (7g/L) after thirty-six months’ maturation on the lees, as is the case for the entire Delamotte range.
Vegan.
| Vintage | NV |
| Varietal Composition | 60% Chardonnay, 35% Pinot Noir, 5% Pinot Meunier |
| Appellation | Champagne |
| Alcohol | 12.00% |
| Volume | 750 ml |
| Country of Origin | FRANCE |
| State of Origin | N/A |
| Artificially Carbonated | No |
| Sparkling Wine | Yes |
A luscious and generous effort with depth and fine acidity. Anything but austere yet balanced and elegant; fresh, stylish, and long. - Tasting Panel, 95 pts
Attractively chalky and biscuity nose, with some honey, apricots and lemon cream. It's balanced and focused, with very fine bubbles, a medium body and well-rounded finish. 60% chardonnay, 35% pinot noir and 5% meunier. - James Suckling, 91 pts
The latest release of Delamotte's NV Brut is especially charming, bursting with aromas of crisp orchard fruit, peach and freshly baked bread. Medium to full-bodied, pillowy and enveloping, it's a fleshy, giving wine that's ample and pliant, with a pinpoint mousse and a nicely defined finish. - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 90 pts
A perfumed and very pretty nose combines notes of apple, citrus rind and plenty of classic yeast nuances. There is good richness to the generously proportioned middle weight flavors that are shaped by a moderately fine effervescence on the succulent and saliva-inducing finish that isn't especially dry though it is nicely persistent. - Burghound.com, 90 pts
The Brut Champagne is a blend of 60& Chardonnay, 35% Pinot Noir and 5% Pinot Meunier. The Chardonnay grapes, from Grand Cru Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, are the key component of the Brut Champagne, while a small quantity of grapes from Grand Crus Avize, Oger, and Cramant are also being used to balance out the harvest. Pinot Noir grapes are from 100% Grand Crus of the Montagne de Reims, like Bouzy, Ambonnay, and Tours-sur-Marne. The vineyards of Delamotte and those of their faithful growers receive special care to maintain uniform quality standards. A close cooperation, developed over decades of working together, ensures that pruning, nipping of buds, tying of the vines, and the other viticultural tasks are done in the most efficient manner to yield the highest quality grapes.
