‘Romantic’ Salon 2006 released in HK

Didier Depond, president of Champagne Salon and Champagne Delamotte, has unveiled the 2006 vintage of Salon and 2007 Delamotte Blanc de Blancs in Hong Kong this week.

(From left to right:) Champagne Delamotte Brut, Champagne Delamotte Blanc de Blancs, Champagne Salon 2006 and Champagne Delamotte Blanc de Blancs 2007.

Compared with the more structured 2004 vintage, whose production fell from the usual 60,000 bottles to 32,000 bottles, 2006 marked a return to its usual production volume and a more approachable style – on release at least, said Depond at a media luncheon hosted by its local importer Altaya.

“2006 was the rich vintage, it’s already good to taste now if you compare it with the 2004, which is strong, masculine and not easy to drink. 2006 is open already,” Depond remarked.

Described by the vintner as the “romantic” vintage of Champagne Salon, the 2006 is made from 100% Chardonnay of a single cru village, Le Mesnil-sur-Oger and sells for HK$3,990 (US$510) a bottle retail.

The wine, which seems to be very drinkable on release, will probably close after two or three years, Depond added, which is not unusual for a cuvée like Salon.

“When It was released it six months ago, I tasted it, and now it’s tighter and less accessible,” he said, explaining the evolution of the wine.

Comparing the dosage to a woman’s makeup, he said it should be just, “a final touch, not too much”. For the 2006 Salon, the dosage is less than five grams, lower than regular vintages.

The vintage harks back to Salon 1990, said Depond, but it could be similar to 1988 in structure when opened 20 years after release.

For its Delamotte Champagne range, Depond revealed that he is planning to get rid of Pinot Meunier in the blend for its Delamotte Brut over the next 10 years. Currently, the brut is a blend of 55% Chardonnay, 35% Pinot Noir and 10% Pinot Meunier. “I love Pinot Meunier alone but in the blend it’s too sweet and too fat,” he commented, explaining the decision.

Asked about the 2017 harvest, Depond dismissed the possibility of having a 2017 Salon due to the April frost.

Currently, Japan ranks as its biggest export market, followed by the US and UK. The wines are available in Hong Kong through Altaya.