Established in 1760 by François Delamotte in the prestigious village of Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, Champagne Delamotte is Chardonnay’s most dedicated advocate. Indeed, most of Delamotte’s vineyards are planted with Chardonnay, all of which enjoy the exalted Grand Cru status common to the very best Champagnes (only 17 villages in the Côte des Blancs sub-region enjoy Grand Cru classification). Since 1997, Didier Depond has been managing both Champagne houses: Delamotte and Salon. He develops the image and reputation of the two brands in more than fifty countries, making Delamotte’s motto “Vive et me Ama” resonate higher than ever.

Alongside the elegant Delamotte Brut NV (a 90% Grand Cru blend of Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier but Chardonnay-dominant nonetheless) and delicate, strawberry-scented rosé (a rare example of co-fermented Pinot Noir and Chardonnay), the Blanc de Blancs cuvées (non-vintage and vintage) are the stars of the show, both tantalisingly rich yet delicate. This is hardly surprising, considering that Delamotte is sister house of the legendary Salon perhaps the world’s finest and rarest champagne and pioneer of the Blanc de Blancs style.