At the 2026 Decanter Fine Wine Encounter in New York City, Master Sommelier Pascaline Lepeltier hosted a sold-out Champagne masterclass, featuring wines from Delamotte and Salon. This exclusive event allowed attendees to taste five vintages of the renowned Salon, which has been produced only 45 times since its inception in 1905, alongside five exceptional Blanc de Blancs cuvées from Delamotte, Salon’s sister house.
The masterclass on June 6 took place in the breathtaking Manhatta, located on the 60th floor. A total of 80 enthusiastic guests participated in this unique tasting experience.
Cristian Rimoldi, the export director for both Delamotte and Salon, guided attendees through an exploration of the distinct identities of these historic champagne houses, emphasizing their shared commitment to Chardonnay and the terroirs of the Côte des Blancs. He detailed the vinification processes of both houses, noting some key differences, such as Delamotte utilizing malolactic fermentation while Salon does not, in order to preserve the unique characteristics of their grapes.
Champagne Delamotte
Delamotte, established in 1760, focuses primarily on Chardonnay. Rimoldi explained its approach of blending from the grand cru sites of the Côte des Blancs, including Mesnil-sur-Oger, Avize, Oger, Chouilly, Oiry, and Cramant. The house’s flagship cuvée, the Blanc de Blancs NV, is accessible with a blend of 30% reserve wines from previous vintages, showcasing Delamotte’s commitment to quality and approachability.
During the tasting, vintages from 2018, 2014, and 2012 were compared, each showcasing unique characteristics influenced by climate and aging. Notably, the 2008 Collection was highlighted for its extraordinary quality, aged with no added dosage to express the purity of the Chardonnay.
Champagne Salon
Transitioning to Salon, Rimoldi highlighted its uniqueness, characterized by a single terroir, grape variety, and vintage. Guest participants moved from magnum formats of Delamotte to 75cl bottles of Salon, creating a nuanced tasting challenge.
Salon has released only eight vintages since 2000, and the 2015 vintage represents one of those unique moments in the brand’s history. Its direct comparison with the 2012 and 2013 vintages illustrated Salon’s evolving profile over time.
The event served as a reminder of the meticulous craftsmanship behind these iconic cuvées and the expertise required to balance the richness and freshness that come from their exceptional terroir. To fully appreciate the wines, participants were advised by Lepeltier to allow the bottles to breathe before serving, maintain a serving temperature of 8°C, and serve in quality glassware.
This engaging masterclass not only showcased the artistry of two historic Champagne houses but also emphasized the enduring appeal and sophistication of Chardonnay-driven Champagnes.
For more insights and details about the event, visit the Decanter website.