Salon
History and Background
Salon is one of the most iconic names in the Champagne region, particularly renowned for producing one of the world's most exclusive blanc de blancs Champagnes. Founded by Eugène-Aimé Salon, an affluent furrier with a passion for Champagne initially produced his wine solely for personal enjoyment (and only from Chardonnay). The first commercial release of Salon Champagne, however, did not occur until 1921. Since then, Salon has been characterized by its practice to release vintages only in exceptional years, highlighting their exclusivity and contributing to their rarity—the house has released only about 40 vintages since its inception.
Salon initially functioned independently until it was acquired by Laurent-Perrier in 1989, yet it maintains high standards of production under the distinctive philosophy of its founder. Today, it is celebrated not only for its exclusivity and single-vintage production but also for the distinctively sharp focus on purity and expression of Chardonnay from a singular terroir, exemplifying the singular capacity of Le Mesnil-sur-Oger in creating exquisite and nuanced Champagne.
Vineyards and Terroir
Salon is situated in the grand cru village of Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, located within the prestigious Côte des Blancs, an area renowned for producing some of the world's finest Chardonnay grapes.
The vineyards stand on deep, chalky soils, which are crucial for superior drainage and influential in adding a vivid minerality and crisp acidity to the wines. This soil type also plays a role in the thermal regulation of the vineyard, reflecting sunlight and aiding in the optimal ripening of Chardonnay.
Dedicated exclusively to Chardonnay, Salon produces champagne from a single grape variety and single-vintage approach, sourced only from its top-tier grand cru vineyards. This unique focus facilitates the expression of pure varietal character and the nuanced influences of each year's climatic conditions.
Wine Style and Production
Exclusively crafted in outstanding vintage years, the production of Salon Champagne is highly selective, often leading to years where no bottles are produced if the vintage conditions do not meet the stringent standards of the maison.
Reputation
Salon has achieved iconic status among Champagne collectors because of its singular focus on producing only one vintage Blanc de Blancs champagne, made exclusively from Chardonnay grapes sourced from the Grand Cru vineyard of Le Mesnil-sur-Oger in the Côte des Blancs. Highly selective, Salon releases its champagne only three to four times each decade.
Final Thoughts
Rooted in the distinctive terroir of Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, Salon's singular focus on producing a vintage Champagne exclusively from Chardonnay grapes defines its unique identity. This commitment, combined with a meticulous winemaking process, allows Salon to craft Champagnes that are not only true reflections of their origin but also consistently recognized among the most prestigious sparkling wines globally.