Winter dinner with Champagne Salon

Is there a more coveted Champagne than Salon? First produced in 1905, this prestige cuvée was the result of what was, back then, an avant-garde approach. At a time when single-varietal Champagnes were so unparalleled that the term ‘Blanc de Blancs’ didn’t even exist, Salon was made solely from Chardonnay, sourced from the best plots in the region, in Le Mesnil-sur-Oger. More daring still, the wine was for 10 years on its lees before release – again, an alien concept when economic reality meant getting the wines to market as soon as possible.

Today, Salon is still made the same way and still sourced largely from the same spot. No oak is used, ensuring the hallmark precision and leanness, while its equally renowned salinity comes from the deep chalk soils of Le Mesnil. With an annual production of around 60,000 bottles (roughly 1% of the output of Dom Pérignon), and just ten employees, this single cuvée remains an artisan production. Join us to try the latest vintage – 2015, the 45^th release – along with cuvées from sister house Delamotte in what should be a memorable evening.