Delamotte Champagne

Delamotte Champagne is one of France's largest and most historic Champagne houses, producing immaculate cuvées since 1760 in the Côte de Blancs. As part of the Laurent-Perrier Group, Delamotte is a sibling wine to the legendary Salon Champagne, mirroring its elegant "Blanc de Blancs" style and providing Delamotte Brut and Delamotte Rosé. Nearly 750,000 bottles are released annually, providing Champagne lovers across the globe a chance to experience the luxury of the historic Champagne house. Discover the story behind the iconic house below.

Delamotte Champagne: France's Sixth Oldest Champagne House

Delamotte Champagne House was founded in 1760 by Francois Delamotte in the heart of Reims, France. Francois was the city's bourgeois militia captain, but decided his leave his position and follow in his father-in-law's footsteps, becoming a vine grower and opening a Champagne house with his son, Alexandre. The estate was originally titled Delamotte Père & Fils, with its building on the corner of the rue Cérès and the rue Marmousets. From its inception, Delamotte's motto was ever present in its facilities: "Vive et me mama" (live and love me, in English).

After humble beginnings for the estate, Delamotte rocketed into European culture in the late 18th century once Francois' youngest son, Nicolas, returned home from fighting on the island of Malta during the Napoleonic conquest. Nicolas was awarded the Chevalier of the Royal Order of the Legion of Honor for his service and used this prestigious position to promote his family's wines. He was eventually elected the President of the Chamber of Commerce in 1825 and began exporting Delamotte Champagne to Europe's biggest cities, firmly placing the estate amongst the continent's nobility.

Laurent-Perrier Acquisition

Nearly a century later, Marie-Louise de Nonancourt took control of Delamotte and breathed new life into the house. Marie inherited Delamotte and, in 1939, bought Laurent-Perrier, one of France's most renowned Champagne houses. She left her eldest son, Charles, in charge of Delamotte, which would operate as a boutique Champagne house; similarly, her youngest, Bernard, took control of Laurent-Perrier, transforming the estate into a global powerhouse. After four decades of brotherly ownership of the two estates, Bernard ingeniously created the Laurent-Perrier Group, merging Champagne Delamotte into the business and acquiring Champagne Salon.

Champagne Delamotte: "Baby Salon"

Champagne Delamotte's modern history has seen the Champagne house establish an international following, becoming a staple amongst luxurious gatherings around the world. Since 1997, Didier Depond has managed both Champagne Delamotte and Champagne Salon, implementing a meticulous regime that has allowed both houses to flourish.

Champagne Delamotte Style and Offerings

Delamotte Champagne is crafted in the heart of Côte de Blancs, with vineyards in the immaculate Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, Avize, Oger, and Cramant. The region's chalky soil gives the final blend a unique, delicate character defined by crisp minerality, vibrant acidity, and soft fruit aromatics. Overall, four labels are made each year, with around 750,000 bottles released to the public. The Delamotte Brut, Delamotte Blanc de Blancs, Delamotte Rosé, and Delamotte Vintage illustrate the multidimensional characteristics of the estate.

Delamotte Brut

Delamotte Brut is crafted with 60% Chardonnay, 35% Pinot Noir, and 5% Pinot Meunier. The Chardonnay provides the structure's foundation, the Pinot Noir adds depth and fruit-forward notes, and the Pinot Meunier supplies aromatic density. The final cuvée has been described as fresh and round, well-balanced with elegant length on the palate. During the vinification process, a light dosage is added after 36 months of maturation, giving the wine a clean, fruity finish.

Delamotte Blanc de Blancs

Delamotte Blanc de Blancs is arguably the house's most famous bottle. Made from 100% Chardonnay grown in Le Mesnil-sur Oger, the vintage offerings provide exceptional purity and chalkiness. They are aged for 4 to 5 years, much longer than the other labels, ensuring each bottle develops more intensity and reveals more complexity. Furthermore, a non-vintage wine is released each year, representing a more accessible wine for drinkers.

Delamotte Rosé

Delamotte Rosé is meticulously crafted with Chardonnays from Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, Avize, and Oger, and Pinot Noir from Ambonnay, Bouzy, and Tours-sur-Marne. The final blend is a splendid display of an elegant, complex, and subtle Rosé. Its salmon-pink hue first dazzles the eye of drinkers, followed by the summertime fruit bouquet, and spice and smoky notes on the palate.

Delamotte Champagne Price and Notable Vintages

With nearly 300 years of winemaking history, it can be difficult for discerning collectors to choose the perfect bottle of Delamotte Champagne for their special occasion. From the non-vintage Blanc de Blancs to the Delamotte Brut, each bottle offers a unique character.

One of Delamotte's recent successes is the Delamotte 2008, which received its highest-ever rating from Robert Parker's 'The Wine Advocate,' scoring 95 points. Only 60,000 bottles were released— a third of the estate's typical production— illustrating Champagne Delamotte's dedication to crafting a top cuvée. Furthermore, the Delamotte 2012 dazzled critics and drinkers alike with its creamy palate, long mineral finish, and zesty aromatics. The bottle received 94-point scores from three different critics and has entered its prime drinking window nearly a decade since its bottling.

Celebrate with Champagne Delamotte

Perfect for formal dinners, extravagant parties, and everything in between, Delamotte Champagne has remained a top Champagne for three centuries thanks to immaculate sparkling wines. Browse our collection and add a bottle from this Champagne house to your cellar today.