While Champagne Salon is a relatively small producer, its reputation for greatness, elegance and finesse is massive. Even after 100 years of production, it is still considered one of the most desirable – if not the most desirable – Champagnes available. Founded by Eugène Aimé Salon just after the turn of the 20th century, the owner was driven by the notion that the Chardonnay grapes from the legendary Le Mesnil-sur-Oger vineyards could produce classic wines without being blended with Pinot Noir or Pinot Meunier. Testing his theory with friends, Eugène began making an exclusively Chardonnay cuvée that eventually developed into his first commercial vintage in 1921. Salon releases approximately four vintages per decade to ensure its reputation for near-perfection. The wines are fermented in steel, and are aged for close to a decade or more before release. Each vintage produces only 60,000 bottles or less, adding to its elusive personality.