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Anyone we know who has come across Salon, however fleetingly, has become a lifelong devotee, savouring the memory of every glass. Salon is unique and very, very rare and will always remain so since it is the only house ever to offer just one wine, always vintaged. There is no non-vintage, no pink and no "special blend", just Salon champagne made from 100% Chardonnay - the first of its kind. Its creator, one Eugène Aimé Salon, had one goal, to produce an absolutely matchless champagne. His pursuit of perfection had none of the normal constraints of the commercial world as this was a wine which he initially intended to be enjoyed only by himself and his friends. His preference for wines from the Côte des Blancs drew him to the very best Cru to be found there, Le Mesnil sur Oger, and the very finest parcels of land therein. 1911 was the first vintage to be recorded. In 1920, urged by his friends, Aimé Salon established the house of Salon. The philosophy was and is clear. Salon is only produced in the very best years. The current 1996 vintage is only the 35th release since the creation of the marque. Salon Champagne is part of the Laurent Perrier group, along with its sister company Delamotte. The two houses have the same management team and in years when Salon is not produced, the harvest is used for the Delamotte vintage champagne. Strict attention to detail is a must in both the grapes selected and in the winemaking. The grapes are sourced from the same 20 original parcels from around Le Mesnil sur Oger in the Côte des Blancs along with a vineyard owned by Salon. The grapes are harvested and sorted by hand. Only the first pressing or tête de cuvée, is used. The first fermentation occurs in stainless steel and there is no malolactic fermentation. The wine then spends 8-12 years ageing in bottle prior to manual disgorgement - a longer ageing period than for any other vintage champagne. Production is tiny with between 6-10,000 cases produced in any one vintage, making it one of the rarest champagnes in existence. The characteristic style and elegance of Salon only hints at the underlying richness, power and ability to age. It is a perfectly balanced champagne with a fine, persistent mousse and exceptional length. While Salon can be easily enjoyed in youth, it will only come in to its own after around 10 years cellaring. Simply put, it's a Grand Vin…..with bubbles. Salon Champagne Vineyard area: sourced from 20 Grand Cru parcels around Le Mesnil sur Oger. Average production: 8,000 cases Grape varieties: 100% Chardonnay