Champagne Salon: Fine Selections for Export Worldwide

Discover the epitome of luxury champagne with Champagne Salon, a prestigious house renowned for its exceptional vintage champagnes. Defined by its singularity, this extraordinary wine is crafted from a single grape variety, Chardonnay, and sourced from the esteemed Côte des Blancs terroir.

With a rich history and commitment to quality, Champagne Salon represents the pinnacle of champagne production, sought after by connoisseurs worldwide for special occasions. Our export services make it possible for champagne enthusiasts globally to experience these fine selections.

Ready to indulge in the finest? Request your personalized quote today on https://champagne-export.com and savor the luxury of Champagne Salon.

Key Takeaways

• Experience the luxury of Champagne Salon’s exceptional vintage champagnes.
• Discover the unique characteristics that make Champagne Salon a prestigious champagne house.
• Learn about our export capabilities and how to access these fine champagnes worldwide.
• Understand the significance of single grape variety and terroir in champagne production.
• Request a personalized quote for your favorite Champagne Salon champagnes.

The Legacy of Champagne Salon

The legacy of Champagne Salon began with Eugène-Aimé Salon’s unwavering commitment to quality. As a visionary in the early 20th century, Eugène-Aimé Salon challenged conventional wisdom about champagne production.

Eugène-Aimé Salon: The Visionary Founder

Eugène-Aimé Salon was a true pioneer who fell in love with the terroir of Le Mesnil. He created a champagne that was truly after his own heart: an unparalleled Blanc de Blancs. Some key aspects of his approach include:

• Creating his unique champagne solely for personal enjoyment and to share with friends, a revolutionary approach at a time when blending was the norm.
• Perfecting his formula since the first vintage in 1905.
• Releasing the first commercial vintage of Salon in 1921, marking the beginning of a legendary champagne house.

From Personal Pleasure to Global Recognition

Initially, Eugène-Aimé Salon’s creation was for his personal pleasure only. It wasn’t until the 1920s that he shared it with the world. As demand grew among those who tasted it, Salon’s exceptional creation transitioned from a private passion to a commercial venture. Key milestones in this journey include:

• Being a prominent figure in Parisian high society during the Roaring Twenties, introducing his exceptional champagne to elite social circles.
• Earning global recognition for his revolutionary approach to champagne production, establishing a new standard for excellence.

Today, Champagne Salon continues to be defined by Eugène-Aimé Salon’s legacy, a testament to the power of innovation and commitment to quality in the world of champagne.

The Singularity of Champagne Salon

Champagne Salon’s singularity is a result of its dedication to the Côte des Blancs and the Chardonnay grape. This exclusive focus sets it apart in the world of champagne.

One Terroir: The Côte des Blancs

The Côte des Blancs, a renowned region in Champagne, is celebrated for producing the finest Chardonnay grapes. Champagne Salon’s commitment to this terroir imparts distinctive mineral characteristics and exceptional acidity to its wines, hallmarks of Salon’s style.

One Cru: Le Mesnil-sur-Oger

Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, classified as a Grand Cru village, represents the pinnacle of Chardonnay cultivation in Champagne. The unique chalky soils of this Grand Cru village contribute to the remarkable structure and aging potential of Salon wines. The “Salon garden,” a single hectare plot, along with nineteen other small plots in Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, were carefully selected by Eugène-Aimé Salon.

One Grape Variety: Chardonnay

By focusing exclusively on Chardonnay, Salon pioneered the concept of “Blanc de Blancs” champagne, challenging the conventional wisdom that great champagne required Pinot Noir in the blend. This approach was revolutionary in the early 20th century. The term “Blanc de Blancs” was officially recognized in 1929, cementing Salon’s place in champagne history.

The singularity of Champagne Salon is thus a culmination of its terroir, cru, and grape variety. This unique combination has made Salon a benchmark for “Blanc de Blancs” champagnes, known for their elegance and aging potential.

The Art of Production

Champagne Salon’s production is a nuanced art that begins with the careful selection of vineyards. The focus is on plots that can produce fruit of exceptional quality and character, laying the foundation for a truly distinctive wine.

Vineyard Selection and Management

The vineyards selected for Champagne Salon are remarkable for their age and the quality of their fruit. The average age of the vines is around 25 years, with some as old as 40 years, providing the concentration and complexity essential for Salon’s distinctive style. Harvesting is done entirely by hand, with rigorous sorting to ensure only the finest fruit makes it into the final wine.

The Meticulous Winemaking Process

The winemaking process at Champagne Salon is deliberately minimalist, allowing the quality of the fruit and the expression of terroir to shine through without manipulation. Unlike many champagne producers, Salon does not use malolactic fermentation, preserving the natural high acidity that gives their wines remarkable freshness and aging potential. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks, preserving the purity of the fruit character and the distinctive mineral notes from the chalky soils.

Aging: The Patience of a Decade

Perhaps the most distinctive aspect of Salon’s production is the extraordinary patience exercised in aging. Each bottle spends approximately ten years maturing in the cellars before release. This extended aging on the lees contributes to the wine’s remarkable complexity, with fine bubbles and the development of tertiary aromas that can only come with time. After ten years, the wine finally starts to reveal its complexity and finesse, showcasing the high acidity that has been preserved throughout the process.

Champagne Salon’s Rarity

Champagne Salon’s exclusivity is rooted in its rigorous selection process, resulting in a mere 44 vintages over 120 years. This scarcity is a testament to the house’s unwavering commitment to producing only the finest champagnes.

Only 44 Vintages in 120 Years

Throughout its remarkable 120-year history, Champagne Salon has produced only 44 vintages, making it one of the rarest prestige champagnes in the world. In the entire 20th century, just 37 vintages were declared worthy of the Salon name, highlighting the house’s uncompromising approach to excellence. The most recent vintage released is 2013, representing only the seventh Salon vintage of the 21st century.

• This extraordinary selectivity demonstrates Salon’s commitment to quality over quantity.
• Each vintage is a reflection of a particular year deemed exceptional enough to bear the Salon name.

Limited Production: 60,000 Bottles Per Vintage

When a vintage is declared, production is strictly limited to approximately 60,000 bottles – a tiny amount compared to other prestigious champagne houses. This scarcity has contributed significantly to Salon’s mystique and desirability among collectors and connoisseurs worldwide. As a result, Champagne Salon bottles are highly sought after at auctions, with prices reflecting their rarity and exceptional quality.

Exploring Salon’s Exceptional Vintages

With a history spanning 120 years, Champagne Salon has released only 44 vintages, each a masterpiece of elegance and refinement. For connoisseurs and collectors, acquiring these exceptional wines is a rare privilege.

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Salon 2013: The Insolent Beauty

Salon 2013, described poetically as “the insolent beauty,” represents only the 44th release in Salon’s 120-year history, highlighting its exceptional character and rarity. This vintage required ten years of patient cellaring to develop its distinctive profile, which combines extraordinary structure with elegant refinement – a hallmark of great Salon wines.

The 2013 vintage showcases a perfect balance between vibrant acidity and depth, with a chalky minerality that reflects its terroir and promises exceptional aging potential over time.

Salon 2012: The Smile

Salon 2012, known as “the smile,” emerged triumphant despite a challenging growing season that tested the vines with extreme weather conditions throughout the year. Despite facing freezing temperatures, excessive rain, and heatwaves, the 2012 vintage ultimately delivered exceptional quality with perfect sugar levels, fine acidity, and magnificent aging potential.

Salon 2008: The Dream Vintage

Salon 2008, celebrated as “the dream vintage,” is considered by many to be the absolute embodiment of Eugène-Aimé Salon’s original vision for his champagne. This vintage is characterized by its extraordinary minerality, with a distinctive chalky sensation that builds gradually on the palate, and is widely regarded as having limitless aging potential over time.

Salon 2007: Shining Light

Salon 2007, described as “shining light,” exemplifies the house’s commitment to expressing the unique personality of each vintage while maintaining the singular character that defines Salon. Each of these exceptional wines represents not just a fine wine but the culmination of patience, expertise, and an unwavering commitment to quality that has defined Champagne Salon for over a century.

These recent vintages demonstrate why Salon continues to be regarded as one of the world’s most prestigious champagne houses, with each release eagerly anticipated by collectors and connoisseurs.

The Taste Profile of Champagne Salon

Champagne Salon’s flavor profile is distinguished by its purity, precision, and a pronounced mineral backbone that reflects its terroir. This distinctive taste profile sets it apart from other prestigious champagnes.

Signature Characteristics

The visual aspect of Champagne Salon is consistently striking, with a pale gold color and green and silver reflections. The fine, persistent bubbles dance elegantly in the glass, creating a mesmerizing effect. On the nose, Salon typically presents delicate floral aromas, including white flowers, linden, and honeysuckle, balanced by citrus notes and an underlying chalky minerality.

The palate experience is defined by an exceptional tension between vibrant acidity and depth, creating a wine of remarkable balance and precision. This high acidity is a signature characteristic of Salon, providing not only freshness but also the structural backbone that allows these champagne wines to age gracefully for decades.

Evolution in the Glass and Over Time

When young, Salon champagnes often display taut, linear profiles with pronounced mineral notes and citrus freshness. With time in the glass, these wines gradually unfold, revealing increasing complexity and depth while maintaining their essential freshness and precision.

The true magic of Salon emerges with bottle age, as the champagne develops tertiary aromas of brioche, nuts, dried fruits, and subtle spices while maintaining its core of minerality. Even after decades of aging, properly stored bottles of Salon maintain remarkable freshness and vitality, a testament to the extraordinary quality of the base wine and the precision of the production process.

Overall, Champagne Salon’s taste profile is a reflection of its exceptional quality and the meticulous care taken in its production. It is a true masterpiece of the wine world.

Perfect Pairings: Gastronomy and Champagne Salon

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The art of pairing Champagne Salon with gourmet cuisine is a sensory journey that delights the palate. Nature’s rich bounty provides numerous matches for Salon, from the air, land, and sea, with the sole requirement being that it must be exquisite.

Seafood Delicacies

Champagne Salon’s high acidity, mineral backbone, and refined bubbles make it particularly well-suited to seafood pairings. Classic combinations include premium oysters from Normandy or Brittany, langoustine tempura, sea bass tartare or ceviche, and scallops quickly seared to preserve their delicate sweetness.

The mineral character of Salon champagne creates a beautiful resonance with the natural brininess of fresh seafood, while the acidity cuts through richer preparations, highlighting the best qualities of both the wine and food.

Gourmet Land-Based Pairings

Beyond seafood, Salon pairs beautifully with a range of gourmet land-based dishes that match its refinement and complexity. Exceptional artisanal cheeses, such as aged Comté (24-36 months) or a truffled Brie, create memorable pairings that highlight the champagne’s depth and complexity.

For truly special occasions, the ultimate luxury pairing is premium caviar served simply with blinis and crème fraîche, allowing the natural affinity between these two delicacies to shine. The versatility of Salon champagne extends to more unexpected pairings like mushroom dishes featuring morels or truffles, complementing the salon champagne’s earthy undertones.

With its exceptional quality and complexity, Champagne Salon is an ideal companion for fine dining experiences, capable of elevating the most exquisite ingredients to new heights. Whether you’re savoring seafood delicacies or gourmet land-based pairings, Salon champagne is sure to impress.

Champagne Salon Today

The acquisition of Champagne Salon by the Laurent-Perrier group in 1989 marked a significant turning point. Today, Champagne Salon operates under the umbrella of this prestigious group, bringing stability and renewed focus to this historic champagne producer.

Under the Laurent-Perrier Group

Under Laurent-Perrier’s stewardship, Salon has maintained its distinctive identity and production philosophy while benefiting from increased resources and distribution capabilities. The Laurent-Perrier group has shown remarkable respect for Salon’s heritage, ensuring that the house’s commitment to singularity and exceptional quality remains unchanged. Key aspects of Salon’s operations under Laurent-Perrier include:

• Maintaining Salon’s unique terroir and grape variety
• Enhancing distribution capabilities while preserving exclusivity
• Upholding the tradition of only declaring vintages in exceptional years

Didier Depond’s Leadership

Didier Depond, who serves as President of both Salon and its sister house Delamotte, has been instrumental in guiding Salon into the 21st century while preserving its historic legacy. Under Depond’s leadership, Salon has strengthened its position as one of the world’s most prestigious champagne houses. Depond works closely with Michel Fauconnet, Cellar Master and Production Manager of the Laurent-Perrier group, to ensure that each vintage of Salon meets the exacting standards established by its founder.

Today, Champagne Salon enjoys greater global recognition than ever before, with its limited releases eagerly anticipated by collectors and connoisseurs worldwide. The house continues to follow its founding principle, maintaining the rarity and prestige that have defined Salon throughout its history.

The Relationship with Delamotte

The relationship between Champagne Salon and Delamotte is built on a foundation of shared excellence and heritage. Both houses, under the Laurent-Perrier group, operate from Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, focusing on exceptional quality.

Sister Houses with Shared Excellence

Delamotte, founded in 1760, is the fifth oldest champagne house in France, bringing a distinguished heritage to this partnership. The two houses operate in a symbiotic relationship, with Didier Depond serving as President for both, overseeing a shared commitment to excellence. Champagne Salon and Champagne Delamotte share a unique bond, with both maintaining their distinct identities while sharing a commitment to quality.

• Both houses are known for their exceptional quality and operate from Le Mesnil-sur-Oger.
• Delamotte offers a broader range of expressions, including non-vintage cuvées.
• In years when Salon’s standards aren’t met, grapes are directed to Delamotte.

When Vintages Don’t Make the Cut

In years not deemed fine enough for Salon Champagne, fruit is sent to its neighbor and sister estate, Champagne Delamotte. This arrangement ensures that no exceptional fruit is wasted while maintaining the absolute selectivity that defines the Salon brand. Many champagne connoisseurs appreciate both houses, often enjoying Delamotte while waiting for their Salon to mature.

Global Recognition and Prestige

Champagne Salon has garnered worldwide recognition for its exceptional quality and prestige. With a legacy spanning over a century, it has established itself as one of the most revered champagne houses globally.

Critical Acclaim

Over the years, Champagne Salon has earned extraordinary recognition from wine critics worldwide. The 2013 vintage, for example, received 99 points from renowned critic Antonio Galloni, who described it as “Magnificent.” This critical acclaim is not limited to a single vintage; Salon regularly features among the world’s most prestigious champagnes in expert rankings and recommendations.

• The consistent high scores and glowing reviews underscore Salon’s commitment to quality.
• The 2013 vintage is particularly noteworthy, being only the seventh vintage released in the 21st century.
• Critics praise Salon’s distinctive character and exceptional aging potential.

Auction Performance and Investment Value

Beyond critical praise, Salon has established itself as a significant investment wine. The release price of Salon 2013 at approximately $1,500 per bottle reflects both its exceptional quality and its status as a luxury collectible. Older vintages of Salon perform exceptionally well at auction, often exceeding estimates by substantial margins.

• The inclusion of Salon in the prestigious Liv-ex Champagne50 Index confirms its status as an investment-grade wine.
• For serious collectors, Salon represents a sound long-term investment that can enhance the value and prestige of a fine wine collection.
• The combination of critical acclaim, auction performance, and investment value has cemented Salon’s position as one of the most prestigious champagne houses in the world.

In conclusion, Champagne Salon’s global recognition and prestige are a testament to its unwavering commitment to quality and excellence. As a luxury item and investment, it continues to attract connoisseurs and collectors worldwide.

Exporting Champagne Salon Worldwide

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Exporting Champagne Salon requires a deep understanding of international regulations and a passion for fine champagne. As a prestigious champagne house, we take pride in making our exceptional vintages available to connoisseurs around the world.

Available Markets and Distribution

Champagne Salon is available in select markets worldwide, with distribution carefully managed to ensure that these rare bottles reach true champagne enthusiasts and collectors. Our distribution network is designed to maintain the optimal conditions for our champagne, from our cellar to yours.

As global demand for fine champagne continues to grow, we have expanded our export capabilities to serve discerning clients across major international markets. Whether you’re looking to acquire current releases or seeking specific vintages from years past, our export specialists can help you navigate availability and secure these coveted bottles for your cellar today.

Export Regulations and Requirements

Export regulations for champagne vary significantly by destination country, with requirements ranging from import licenses and special certifications to specific labeling and documentation. Our expertise in international wine shipping ensures compliance with all relevant regulations, including temperature-controlled transportation to preserve the quality of these exceptional wines.

For collectors and enthusiasts looking to acquire Champagne Salon, we offer personalized export services that take into account your specific location and requirements. The limited production of Salon (approximately 60,000 bottles in vintage years) means that allocation is carefully managed, with priority given to long-standing clients and those with a genuine appreciation for these exceptional wines.

To request your personalized quote and begin the process of bringing these extraordinary champagnes to your doorstep, visit https://champagne-export.com. Our team stays current with changing international regulations to ensure smooth customs clearance and delivery of your champagne in perfect condition, ready to be enjoyed for years to come.

Requesting Your Personalized Quote

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To experience the pinnacle of champagne luxury, start with a personalized quote from our experts, who will curate the finest Salon champagnes for you. Our service is designed to help you navigate the world of high-end champagnes, ensuring that you find the perfect bottle for your collection or special occasion.

Customized Selection Process

Our customized selection process begins with understanding your preferences, whether you’re seeking the latest release or specific vintages from previous years. We take into account your taste profile, serving occasion, and collection goals to recommend the perfect Salon champagnes for your needs.

• Requesting a personalized quote for Champagne Salon is the first step toward acquiring these exceptional bottles for your collection or special occasion.
• For serious collectors, we can provide guidance on vintages with exceptional aging potential that will continue to develop in your cellar today and for many years to come.
• Each quote includes detailed information about the champagnes selected, their characteristics, and their place in Salon’s storied history.

Shipping and Handling Considerations

Shipping and handling considerations are a crucial part of our service, as proper transportation is essential to maintaining the quality of these exceptional champagne wines. We offer various shipping options depending on your location, timeline, and specific requirements, always prioritizing the safety and integrity of the champagne.

• Temperature-controlled shipping is standard for all Champagne Salon exports, protecting these precious bottles from temperature fluctuations that could compromise their quality.
• Our packaging is specially designed to protect these valuable bottles during transit, with additional options available for gift presentation.
• Insurance coverage is available for all shipments, providing peace of mind when transporting these valuable wines across international borders.

To begin the process, simply visit champagne-export.com and complete our request form, providing details about your preferences and requirements for a tailored response from our team. Whether you’re looking to enhance your collection or celebrate a special moment in life, we’re here to guide you through the world of Champagne Salon.

Collecting and Cellaring Champagne Salon

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The art of collecting Champagne Salon is a nuanced pursuit that requires patience, knowledge, and a discerning palate. For those who appreciate fine wines, Salon offers a unique experience with its rich history and commitment to quality.

Optimal Storage Conditions

To preserve the quality and aging potential of Champagne Salon, it’s crucial to store it under optimal conditions. This includes maintaining a constant temperature between 50-55°F (10-13°C), humidity levels around 70-80%, and ensuring the storage area is dark, free from vibration, and strong odors. Proper horizontal storage is essential to keep the cork moist, maintaining an effective seal and preventing premature oxidation.

Aging Potential and When to Drink

Champagne Salon is renowned for its extraordinary aging potential, with most vintages continuing to develop positively for 15-30 years or even longer. Recent vintages like Salon 2012 and 2013 are officially rated with an aging potential of “over 15 years.” The decision of when to drink Salon is highly personal, with some collectors preferring the vibrant character of younger vintages, while others seek the complexity that develops with extended aging.

For serious collectors, a professional wine storage facility or a properly designed home cellar provides the ideal environment for these precious bottles to mature gracefully. Many connoisseurs choose to purchase multiple bottles of the same vintage to enjoy at different stages of development, tracking the wine’s evolution over time.

Conclusion

The story of Champagne Salon is one of unwavering dedication to quality, a legacy that has endured for over a century. Since its inception, guided by the vision of Eugène-Aimé Salon, this prestigious champagne house has maintained an uncompromising approach to its craft.

With only 44 vintages released in 120 years, Salon is renowned for its rarity. Each bottle tells the story of a specific year deemed worthy of the Salon name, capturing the essence of Le Mesnil-sur-Oger’s exceptional terroir through the pure expression of Chardonnay. The house’s patient approach to aging, with each vintage spending approximately ten years in the cellar, ensures a profound and complete experience.

Under the stewardship of Didier Depond and the Laurent-Perrier group, Champagne Salon continues to honor its founder’s vision. For collectors and connoisseurs, Salon represents not just a fine champagne but an investment in liquid history. Whether enjoyed in its youth or after decades of cellaring, Salon delivers an unparalleled champagne experience.

Through our export services, these exceptional bottles of wine are available worldwide. We invite you to explore the world of Champagne Salon and discover why these rare bottles have captivated enthusiasts for generations. To begin your journey, visit champagne-export.com to request your personalized quote and secure these extraordinary wines for your collection or special occasion.

With proper storage, the Salon champagnes you acquire today will continue to bring joy and create memorable experiences for many years to come, a lasting legacy of one man’s singular vision for champagne perfection.