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- Didier Depond
Didier Depond
Champagne Salon is the top of the class of the best Champagne.
The story begins in early 20th century: Eugene Aime Salon was convinced that chardonnay grapes from around a Champagne village called Le-Mesnil-sur-Oger could produce the best champagne.
One of the parcel around that village is even called Le jardin de Salon, (the garden of Salon) and is still used for the production of Salon Champagnes.
At first in 1911, he produced a wine or cuvee only to share with friends. But this cuvee became so famous that he started to sell it on the market. 1921 was its first release.
This Champagne is made from one kind of grapes, from one place, and from one vintage. No Blending, no mixing. This is why Salon champagne is so rare.
To create the perfect balance unique to Salon is far from easy and not every vintage can be used.
Only the best years Champagne Salon is produced, which means some years when the result is not good enough, no Champagne Salon is produced. It is just sold as a champagne under Delamotte brand.
Even if the vintage is good a maximum of 60000 bottles of a vintage are produced. For every decade, we can expect that only on 4 years Champagne Salon is produced on average.
Champagne Salon ages also longer than average champagne, 10 years instead of 3 to 5 years for other champagne.
In the end you can enjoy one of the most unique, rare and aristocratic champagne.
Didier Depond is now managing the Champagne Salon. He was kind enough to answer some of our questions.
Have a look!
Chuangyilife: What is your favorite memory of a wine tasting?
DR: DRC 1971
Chuangyilife: What is your dream wine or bottle?
DR: Petrus 1964
*Chuangyilife: What is the menu of your dreams? *
DR: Produce from my garden, wines from my friends and a table with my family
What is the menu of your dreams?
DR: All Champagne!
Chuangyiife: How important is it to pair food and wine?
DR: It’s important but not essential
Chuangyilife: What is your ultimate food and wine pairing?
DR: A great Blanc de Blancs champagne with old Parmigiano or aged Spanish ham
Chuangyilife: What is your culinary fantasy?
DR: Radishes and champagne
Chuangyilife: What is your favourite food product?
DR: Fresh vegetables
Chuangyilife: How do you choose a restaurant?
DR: I just follow my mood!
Chuangyilife: What are your views on wines from the New World and elsewhere?
DR: It’s difficult to compare two worlds, they have two very different spirits; two opposing philosophies
Chuangyilife: What is your philosophy of wine?
DR: Terroir, Time, Respect
Chuangyilife: If you were…
A Wine, you would be…….Champagne
A Grape, you would be……..Chardonnay
A Vintage, you would be……..1964
A Colour, you would be…….Red
A Dish, you would be…..Walnuts
A Season, you would be…..Spring
A Town, you would be……Paris
A Smell, you would be……Honeysuckle
A Flavour, you would be……Salted butter
A Flower, you would be…..Rose
