On September 20th, 2023, a prestigious bottle of Champagne Salon 1948 was offered to His Majesty, King Charles III of the United Kingdom during his inaugural visit to France, symbolizing a unique connection between British royalty and the epitome of French viticulture. This gesture was emblematic, with the champagne commemorating the King's year of birth, showcasing France's exquisite savoir-faire.
Didier Depond, the esteemed Director of Champagne Salon and Champagne Delamotte, was honored to present this iconic bottle as a tribute to the King. The British royal court and the world of Champagne share a close and enduring relationship, a tradition initiated nearly two centuries ago by Queen Victoria, who pioneered the serving of champagne at royal ceremonies.
Salon, known for its singular and exceptional character, stands as a symbol of unrivaled champagne craftsmanship. It epitomizes uniqueness with its origin traced back to one man, Eugène-Aimé Salon; nurtured in one single terroir, the Côte des Blancs; cultivated in one single cru, Le Mesnil-sur-Oger; and borne from one single grape variety, Chardonnay. The champagne, celebrated for its exclusivity, is only crafted in outstanding years, with each vintage undergoing a minimum of ten years of exceptional cellar ageing.
Salon vintages, meticulously chosen for their unprecedented cellaring potential, represent a rare compilation of 37 wines crafted in the 20th century, setting a record unparalleled in viticultural history worldwide. The creation of such a prestigious legacy by Eugène-Aimé Salon, a passionate champagne connoisseur, has made Champagne Salon a symbol of French viticultural heritage, revered by connoisseurs globally.
The 1948 Vintage: A Testament to Resilience and Excellence
The 1948 Champagne Salon vintage stands as a monumental mark in the history of champagne. The region experienced harsh weather conditions in 1948, impacting the flowering and causing hail to diminish part of the region’s harvests. However, the harvest on 20th September from Mesnil-sur-Oger was promising and healthy, contributing to a vintage that showcases remarkable balance of high sugar and acidity, indicative of extraordinary maturing potential. This particular bottle continues to captivate experts, representing resilience and excellence in a year between the celebrated vintages of 1947 and 1949.
This unparalleled bottle of Champagne Salon 1948 was specially disgorged on 1st September 2023, in honor of His Majesty King Charles III, solidifying a historical and cultural bond between British Royalty and French viticulture.
