Champagne Delamotte

Champagne Delamotte: Over 260 Years of Tradition from Le Mesnil-sur-Oger

Champagne Delamotte was founded in 1760 by François Delamotte in Reims and is one of the oldest Champagne houses in France. Today, the house is located in the renowned Grand Cru village of Le Mesnil-sur-Oger in the Côte des Blancs, the heart of Chardonnay cultivation in Champagne. Delamotte is known for its elegant and mineral-driven Champagnes, which are made primarily from Chardonnay grapes.

The Philosophy of Champagne Delamotte

Delamotte pursues the mission of making Champagne accessible to all connoisseurs and the curious. The house believes that Champagne is a universal language that can be spoken by everyone. With the motto “Vive et me ama” (“Live and love me”), Delamotte emphasizes the importance of joy and pleasure in everyday life. The philosophy is based on authenticity, respect for tradition, and a deep love for the vineyard.

The Terroir of the Côte des Blancs

The grapes for Delamotte’s Champagnes come from the Grand Cru sites of Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, Avize, Oger, and Cramant. These villages are located in the Côte des Blancs, a region known for its chalky soils and cool climate. The combination of soil, flora, and gentle slopes gives the grapes their exceptional character and enables the production of delicate and consistent Champagnes.

Grape Varieties and Winemaking

Delamotte mainly uses Chardonnay grapes, complemented by Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier for certain cuvées. The grapes are pressed gently and slowly, with only the best fractions selected. Vinification takes place at controlled temperatures in stainless steel tanks, followed by full malolactic fermentation. After the second fermentation in the bottle, the wines age for several years on the lees to develop complexity and finesse. Before release, the bottles are riddled and disgorged by hand, with a light dosage added to ensure balance and longevity.

The Cuvées of Champagne Delamotte

1. Delamotte Brut

A well-balanced cuvée of 60% Chardonnay, 35% Pinot Noir, and 5% Pinot Meunier. The Champagne ages for 36 months on the lees and receives a light dosage. It is characterized by freshness, roundness, and a clean, fruity finish.

2. Delamotte Blanc de Blancs

Made from 100% Grand Cru Chardonnay from Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, Oger, and Cramant. The wine ages 4 to 5 years on the lees and offers a mineral, pure expression of the terroir.

3. Delamotte Blanc de Blancs Vintage

A vintage Champagne made from 100% Chardonnay that ages for six years on the lees. It shows depth, complexity, and remarkable ageing potential.

4. Delamotte Rosé

A cuvée of 80% Pinot Noir and 20% Chardonnay. The Pinot Noir is processed using the saignée method, in which the pink juice is drawn off the skins and fermented like a white wine. The rosé ages for about two years on the lees and offers freshness and elegance.

Conclusion

Champagne Delamotte stands for elegance, authenticity, and the highest quality. With a history dating back to the 18th century and a clear focus on the terroir of the Côte des Blancs, the house offers Champagnes that delight both connoisseurs and newcomers. Whether Brut, Blanc de Blancs, Vintage, or Rosé – each cuvée reflects the craftsmanship and heritage of Delamotte.