Blanc de Blancs Vintage 2012

Champagne Delamotte Blanc de Blancs Vintage 2012

Grape varietals : Chardonnay : 100%

The story

Each village has its own style. Le Mesnil-sur-Oger (20%): acidity, purity and chalky minerality. Avize (20%): balance and structure. Oger (20%), warmth, body and generosity. Cramant: smoky minerality. Chouilly: robustness and length. And finally, Oiry: acidity and roundness. To reprise the musical analogy, each territory has its own score and, when they are all played together to create Delamotte Blanc de Blancs 2012, each one can be heard in its own right. It is left to age over six long years. Not much, given the powerfulness of this wine. Its richness is equalled only by its concentration, and yet it remains light on its feet. It can even be generous…Such is the supreme elegance of a wine with ageing potential!

In the glass it immediately shows its impatience. Delicate, thin and vivid bubbles are quick to form an elegant, pale gold crown at the top of the glass. On the nose, it gives off an irresistible sensation of freshness. Aromas of lemon, English candy, and lychee, along with a suggestion of white flowers, waft from the glass. On the palate it is both creamy and sharp and is prolonged by a long mineral finish, punctuated by a bitter orange peel.

A great champagne is first and foremost a great wine!

A great champagne is first and foremost a great wine!

This is the golden rule in Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, where Delamotte was founded in 1760. If Delamotte is one of the five oldest champagne houses, it is because we respect the traditions, we are dedicated to flavour and we craft our wines in the heart of the legendary Côte des Blancs terroir.

Our wines, our terroir

Our wines, our terroir

From Cramant to Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, through Avize and Oger but also Chouilly and Oiry: all are found in the Côte des Blancs. Its location is one of Delamotte’s richest assets. The chalky soil, the flora and the sloping vineyards give the grapes their exceptional character, delivering delicate, consistent champagnes. Championing this exceptional terroir, drawing the best from it while maintaining absolute respect for the vines and the environment - that's what Delamotte is all about.

Vintage 2012

Vintage 2012

January to June 2012 saw almost every one of the most feared climate events that can afflict the Champagne vineyards: winter and spring frosts, early then late spring start, torrential downpours, hailstorms, and a cold snap during flowering. By mid-July, though, things had stabilised, with a spell of proper summer weather, beneficial to ripening. Full ripening began in mid-August, and continued sustained and regular through harvest, which in the Côte des Blancs began on 17 September. In 2012, low yields meant excellent quality. Once the chardonnays were brought in, there were reliable predictions of this being a great vintage. Time is on their side.
 

How to enjoy ?

How to enjoy ?

Chilled but never cold (around 8°C) and served in a tulip-shaped wine glass. And a powerful wine demands a powerful food pairing. Something to really stimulate the palate so that it can respond in kind. So, truffle stuffed chicken in a Suprême sauce or equally a simple truffle camembert or brie. And if there are no truffles, why not a cream of cep mushroom soup with a pastry lid?

Delamotte Blanc de Blancs Collection Vintage

Delamotte Blanc de Blancs Collection Vintage

A selection of the greatest vintages has been ageing in our cellars. This includes the Blanc de Blancs 1999, 2002 and 2004. Disgorged upon request after a minimum of 15 years of maturation on the lees, these "Collection" wines are reaching their peak but retain a freshness and zing, albeit tamed by the years.

Available exclusively from our partners in the gastronomy and retail sectors.