Delamotte

THE HISTORY 

Delamotte was founded in Reims in 1760 by vineyard owner François Delamotte, a vineyard owner. At more than 250 years old, it is the fifth oldest house in Champagne. Alexandre Delamotte brought the cellars, caves, and offices of the House of Delamotte to a beautiful mansion at the end of the 18th century and in 1828, his brother, Nicolas Louis Delamotte, also known as the Chevalier Delamotte Barrachin, assumed management of the House. In his tenure with the Chamber of Commerce, Nicolas was well known for hosting spectacular events, namely the coronation of France’s last king, Charles X. The House was sold to the Lanson family in the 1830s, who later started producing a Lanson label. It was eventually acquired by Marie-Louise de Nonancourt, née Lanson, in the period between the two world wars. In 1927, Marie-Louise made the decision to transfer the activities of the house of Delamottte to Mesnil-sur-Oger. The management of the company was entrusted to the capable hands of Marie-Louise’s youngest son, Charles de Nonancourt. It was Charles who established the golden rules for the business: ensure a consistent quality by purposefully limiting production and maintain at least three harvests in the cellars at all times. In 1988, the House of Delamotte joined forces with the still enigmatic Champagne Salon under the umbrella of the parent company, Laurent-Perrier, led by Charles’ brother, Bernard. Today, the House of Delamotte and its sister company Champagne Salon are under the direction of Didier Depond. Delamotte has been recognized for its commitment to environment-friendly farming practices with an Haute Valeur Environmentale certification from OCACIA. 

THE TERROIR 

Chardonnay grapes from Grand Cru Le Mesnil-sur-Oger are the key componet of the house’s Champagne, while a small quantity of grapes from Grand Crus Avize, Oger, and Cramant are also being used to balance out the harvest. Pinot Noir grapes from the 100% Grand Crus of the Montagne de Reims, like Bouzy, Ambonnay, and Tours-sur-Marne, are added to make Delamotte Brut and Delamotte Rosé. The vineyards of Delamotte and those of their faithful growers receive special care to maintain uniform quality standards. A close cooperation, developed over decades of working together, ensures that pruning, nipping of buds, tying of the vines, and the other viticultural tasks are done in the most efficient manner to yield the highest quality grapes.