Lanson champagne

In 1760, François Delamotte founded the champagne house of the same name in Reims, where his cellar was already located. On the family coat of arms, the motto "Vive et me ama" (Live and love me) is adopted. François Delamotte joins his eldest son Alexandre in this entrepreneurial adventure, giving birth to the Delamotte Père & Fils brand. When the Order of Malta was dissolved in 1798, François Delamotte's youngest son, Nicolas Louis Delamotte, returned from the island, where he had been serving as a Knight of the Order of Malta, and joined the estate founded by his father. It was he, the youngest son, who succeeded his father and chose the Maltese Cross as the estate's emblem. A new page is turned when Jean-Baptiste Lanson, a long-time friend and associate of the Delamottes, gradually takes on an important role in the management of the estate. He succeeded Nicolas-Louis Delamotte, the younger son, when the latter died and changed the name of the house to J-B Lanson et Compagnie.

One of the best-known sparkling wines

Today, Lanson champagne is the most important brand of the Lanson-BBC group, which is the second largest Champagne group behind LVMH. The brand's wines can be found in over 80 countries worldwide. Based in Reims, it has built its reputation around sparkling wines made mainly from Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes. But it also owes its reputation to its choice not to use malolactic fermentation, a technique that softens the wine. The company's vineyards extend over all the AOC crus, and the vines are of a fairly advanced age, but its most emblematic vineyard is located in Reims. This is Clos Lanson, 1 hectare of vines planted right in the city center, on a chalk plateau just above the cellars.

Pinot Meunier is under-represented in the blending of the house wines, due to its lesser capacity to stand the test of time and age.

A unique visitor experience

While the Black Label Brut is the estate's best-known cuvée, particularly in France, it's not the only Brut on the market. The Black Réserve comes to mind, but we mustn't forget the Rosé Label, and for some years now the Green Label, an organic champagne. The Noble Cuvée range (Brut, Blanc de Blancs and Rosé) has sadly disappeared, demonstrating the great capacity of these wines to stand the test of time. These champagnes provide a memorable tasting experience and a chance to discover the diverse facets of the appellation.

Lanson's range focuses on a well-defined type of wine: fresh, taut and delicate. A type of wine that few houses in the beautiful AOC appellation of Champagne can boast. But there's also a wine cellar where you can discover very old vintages, dating back to the 1980s. This type of wine, several decades old, offers unprecedented opportunities for discovery and tasting.

A visit not to be missed

Lanson is one of those estates that can be visited without an appointment. However, it is sometimes advisable to book in advance. Tours are organized every day and take you on a discovery of the region's grape varieties: pinot noir, pinot meunier and chardonnay. You'll pass through the superb cellars and conclude your visit with a Brut effervescent tasting. In France, and in the Champagne AOC region, a visit to the Lanson cellars is without doubt one of the must-sees.

Caves Lanson's cuvées are all available for delivery and offer rare value for money. And the reviews are unanimous! Each page highlights these customer and professional reviews.