Delamotte Blanc De Blancs Delamotte, 2018

Delamotte Blanc de Blancs 2018 is a finely cut, Chardonnay-driven Champagne from one of the most respected houses in Le Mesnil-sur-Oger. Crafted exclusively from Chardonnay grown in the Côte des Blancs, it captures the precision, chalky purity and elegance that define great Blanc de Blancs. The 2018 vintage adds an extra layer of ripeness and generosity, making this cuvée both thrillingly fresh and remarkably approachable in its youth.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, the 2018 Delamotte Blanc de Blancs shows a pale lemon-gold hue with a delicate, persistent stream of fine bubbles. The nose is lifted and refined, with aromas of lemon zest, white flowers, green apple and pear, layered with notes of fresh brioche, almond and a subtle chalky minerality. On the palate, this Champagne is clean and precise yet amply textured, balancing the ripe character of the 2018 vintage with Delamotte’s trademark tension. Expect flavors of citrus (lemon, grapefruit), crunchy orchard fruits, and white stone fruits, all framed by fresh pastry, hazelnut and a saline, chalk-dust finish. The mousse is creamy but finely beaded, with vibrant acidity that keeps everything focused and linear. While already drinking beautifully now, the structure and mineral backbone suggest very good aging potential over the next 8–10 years, during which it will develop more complexity, toast and nuttiness.

Production
Delamotte Blanc de Blancs 2018 is sourced primarily from grand cru Chardonnay vineyards in the heart of the Côte des Blancs, including Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, Oger, Avize and Cramant. These sites are renowned for their deep chalk soils, which lend a distinct minerality, tension and finesse to the wines. Grapes are harvested by hand to ensure optimal selection and gentle handling of the delicate Chardonnay clusters. Fermentation typically takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks to preserve purity and freshness, with malolactic fermentation usually encouraged to soften the natural acidity and enhance texture. After the secondary fermentation in bottle, the wine spends several years aging sur lie in Delamotte’s cool cellars, gaining complexity, fine bubbles and creaminess before disgorgement and a carefully judged dosage to maintain balance and dryness.

Food & Serving
This Blanc de Blancs is a superb partner for refined seafood dishes such as oysters, scallop carpaccio, sashimi, sushi, lobster, and simply grilled or poached white fish. It also shines alongside delicate poultry, light cream sauces, goat cheese and aged hard cheeses like Comté or Parmesan, which echo its nutty, mineral edge. Serve well-chilled, ideally at 8–10°C (46–50°F), in a white-wine or tulip-shaped Champagne glass to highlight its aromatics and texture. While decanting is not essential, pouring the first glass and giving the bottle a few minutes in the glass or on the table allows the wine to open and reveal additional nuance.

Producer
Founded in 1760, Delamotte is one of the oldest Champagne houses and is based in the legendary village of Le Mesnil-sur-Oger in the Côte des Blancs. It is the sister house of the iconic Champagne Salon, and together they form a benchmark for Chardonnay-based Champagnes from this prized region. Delamotte has built its reputation on producing elegant, terroir-driven wines that express the chalky soils and cool climate of the grand cru villages it sources from. The house is particularly admired for its Blanc de Blancs, which consistently offer a combination of finesse, precision and age-worthiness at a high level of quality, making Delamotte a favorite among sommeliers and Champagne enthusiasts worldwide.