Deep copper color; strawberry, cherry, raspberry, red apple, peach, nectarine, blood orange, toast, minerality, hint of smoke on the nose and palate.
Brut; good, mouth-watering acidity. Chalky texture on light-medium body. Intense red fruit flavors. Tight, persistent bubbles. Blend of 88% chardonnay, 12% pinot noir. Wine spent 24 months on lees before disgorgement. The pinot noir is vinified as a still red wine using the bleed technique (saignée), then blended with the chardonnay—as opposed to brief contact on the pinot noir skins as is done in many rosé wines. The result is its striking deep copper color and the impressive drinkability. 12% ABV
François Delamotte founded the house in Le Mesnil-sur-Oger in 1760. It is the fifth-oldest house in Champagne and noted for crafting quality wines in the legendary Côte des Blancs terroir. The chardonnay grapes for this effort come from Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, Avize, and Oger. The pinot noir comes from Ambonnay, Bouzy, and Tours-sur-Marne. All are regarded as gran cru vineyards in Champagne.
Laurent-Perrier acquired Delamotte in 1988 and attached it to Salon, one of Champagne’s most prestigious small houses. Didier Depond has managed both houses since 1997. Under his leadership, both brands have expanded into more than 50 countries.
Saying Delamotte is a second label to Salon probably is a disservice to both houses. Both houses showcase chardonnay-forward sparklers from premier vineyards. Delamotte favors malolactic fermentation, producing a creamier wine than the more austere, more toasty Salon efforts. Both houses produce outstanding wines, with Delamotte likely more approachable to the average drinker. You can enjoy this Delamotte rosé right now, but with its acidity and quality it can age for many years. This is the sort of wine to give as case or two to newlyweds so they can store it correctly and open it on each anniversary (with a prayer that the marriage outlives the gift).
Champagne Delamotte Rosé NV is vivacious offering from long-time quality maker. Rich with strawberry fruitiness dominant, supported by excellent acidity. Fresh, light, an uncomplicated drinking pleasure that will pair with almost anything. With its vivid color, it certainly works as an aperitif or toasting wine at a celebratory event. Pair with grilled salmon; roasted chicken with herbs; shellfish; pork-smoked ham; vegetable soups. It also can pair with desserts such as raspberry charlotte, coulis made with red fruits, certainly strawberry shortcake. Cheese—very versatile; burrata, feta, halloumi, humbolt fog, summer-milk comté, gouda—goat cheeses, aged sheep’s milk cheeses, cambozola, soft and creamy cheeses. It almost is impossible to go wrong with this wine-cheese pairing. $87-115