Salon Champagne

Salon Champagne: An Iconic Name in the World of Champagne

History and Founding

Salon Champagne, a name held in the highest regard in the world of champagne, was founded in 1921 in the renowned village of Le Mesnil-sur-Oger in the Champagne region of France. The visionary behind this prestigious brand was Eugène-Aimé Salon, a wealthy businessman who had made his fortune in the fur trade. But Salon was more than a successful businessman: he was also a passionate connoisseur and lover of wine. Driven by the desire to create the best champagne in the world, he acquired one hectare of some of the finest crus in the Champagne wine region in 1911. This was the foundation stone of an unparalleled success story.

The Philosophy of the House

Eugène-Aimé Salon's vision was to create a unique champagne purely for his own enjoyment and that of his guests. The basis of this vision was the outstanding terroir of Le Mesnil on the Côte des Blancs, an area known for its exceptional Chardonnay grapes. Salon firmly believed that Chardonnay was the best grape variety for making champagne. This philosophy led to the creation of the world's first blanc de blancs champagne, made exclusively from Chardonnay grapes.

Commercialisation and Expansion

Having at first produced only for his own use, Salon decided in 1921 to bring his exclusive vintage champagne to market. This marked the beginning of a new era for Salon Champagne. In the 20th century a total of 37 vintages were produced, each one a testament to the exceptional quality and craftsmanship that distinguish the house.

Production and Vineyards

Salon makes only blanc de blancs champagne wines, and only in selected years, when the quality of the grapes meets the house's strict requirements. The estate's own vineyard in Le Mesnil-sur-Oger supplies only about a sixth of the grapes needed. The rest are bought in on the tightly regulated market for champagne base wine, with Salon buying only the best grapes from carefully chosen vineyards.

Salon Champagner Keller

A central part of Salon's philosophy is its quality-driven approach in the cellar. The legally required minimum ageing period of three years for vintage champagne is far exceeded at Salon. As a rule, the champagnes are released only after at least ten years of ageing. This long maturation gives the wines their unique complexity and depth, and it demands considerable storage capacity as well as a large amount of tied-up capital.

“Driven by the desire to create the best champagne in the world, he acquired one hectare of some of the finest crus in the Champagne wine region in 1911.

The Most Famous Champagne: Salon Cuvée 'S'

The house's most famous champagne is the Cuvée 'S', a blanc de blancs produced only in exceptional years. Every vintage of this champagne is a tribute to the terroir of Le Mesnil and the craftsmanship that goes into every bottle. The Cuvée 'S' stands out for its remarkable freshness, elegance and complexity, qualities that make it one of the most sought-after champagnes in the world.

Today and Membership of the Laurent-Perrier Group

Since 1988, Champagne Salon has belonged to the respected family-owned Laurent-Perrier group. This has allowed Salon to benefit from the group's extensive resources and expertise while keeping its own identity and tradition. The link with Laurent-Perrier has helped Salon to expand its presence on the international market and to consolidate its position as one of the leading champagne houses in the world.

Current Information on Vineyard Holdings and Headquarters

Today Salon's vineyards cover about 1 hectare in Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, and the house continues to buy grapes from carefully selected partner vineyards to guarantee the high quality of its champagnes. Salon's headquarters remain in Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, where the house's tradition and heritage are honoured.

Summary and Outlook

Salon Champagne remains a beacon of luxury and excellence in the world of champagne. With a rich history, an unshakeable commitment to quality and a clear vision for the future, Salon has secured its place at the very top of the champagne houses. Every bottle of Salon Champagne is not just a drink but an experience, reflecting the passion, expertise and dedication of a man who changed the world of champagne for ever.

This long history and Salon's continuing efforts to make only the finest blanc de blancs champagne underline the unique standing of this house in the world of champagne. The link with the Laurent-Perrier group has given Salon additional stability and reach, without compromising the founding principles and identity that Eugène-Aimé Salon established more than a century ago.