Champagne Delamotte Brut Blanc de Blanc 2018

his is a "blanc des blancs" champagne made from 100% Chardonnay, bursting with effervescence and sumptuous notes of lemon zest, orchard fruit, and chalk. It is a mineral-driven champagne, known for its purity of fruit and clean character. The grapes come exclusively from Grand Cru plots within the Côtes des Blancs, where the soils are rich in minerals, particularly chalk. The winemaking career of the Delamotte family dates back to the Enlightenment when the champagne house was founded in Reims by François Delamotte. In 1988, Delamotte was acquired by the Laurent-Perrier group, becoming a sister winery to Salon, a legendary champagne house in Le Mesnil-sur-Oger. Like Delamotte, Salon is famous among champagne purists for its authenticity and has produced only one wine. Today, the two wineries are interconnected: in the years when Salon does not produce a wine, the grapes are transported to the nearby Delamotte winery, where they can be used to create equally delightful champagne, like this one. On the palate, Delamotte Brut starts with a visceral and dry attack, rich in minerality. It soon melts into a medium, velvety, and fruity palate, with notes of lemon, lime, green apple peel, and pear. It has been aged on the lees for 5 years before disgorgement, adding layers of texture and a delightfully lifted mouthfeel. It is an extraordinary wine for a wide variety of occasions and will be delightful alongside cheese croquettes, nut-based cheeses, or simply served as an aperitif.