If you have read any of our wine or Champagne blogs before, you know that Andy and I both lean toward brut Champagne and dry wines. In fact, I lean more in that direction than Andy because he has found examples of delightful dessert wines, and I’m still stubbornly refusing to budge. The good news is that as we have started to explore different types of Champagne, we appear to be in sync so far. That was never more true than when we sampled the joyful Delamotte NV Brut Champagne. And we thought we’d share our impressions in case you are looking for a well-reviewed and palate-pleasing Champagne for your next celebration (or festive Wednesday night).
What are the Grape Varietals in the Delamotte NV Brut Champagne?
According to the winemaker, this brut Champagne is 60% Chardonnay, 35% Pinot Noir, and 5% Pinot Meunier. I’ll admit that the Pinot Meunier was new to me (as far as I knew), but apparently, it is used as part of the blend for a great many brut Champagne offerings. I was intrigued, and a brief dive into the description of the varietal suggests that this is the source of some of the Champagne’s aromatics. It also adds a layer of acidity to each sip.
Our Impressions of the Delamotte
It’s easy to say that this is a beautiful example of brut Champagne. It is a little chalky, a bit minerally, and delightfully crisp. There is an elegance and balance to this on the palate that makes this an easy drinker while it still offers complexity. I felt it was a little smoky, and Andy and I both got hits of citrus and maybe peach? There was a note that that eluded us (although we will keep guessing), but we both agreed that it was wonderfully fruit forward. Again, just a really nicely balanced brut Champagne.
We also happened to sample it during possibly the best drinking year for this Champagne, although if you have a 2013 vintage, don’t hesitate to open it over going forward. I’m guessing it will still bring a smile to your face.
What is the Cost of the Delamotte NV Brut Champagne?
That’s hard to say because the 2013 is actually fairly hard to find right now. It seems to range anywhere from $50 to $75 per bottle, with the higher end being more likely because of its relative scarcity now. But no matter what, this is a delightful bottle for any celebration or holiday gift.
Happy sipping!
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