Champagne Lanson
Have you tried Lanson Champagne? When I was in wine student mode and blind tasting several times a week, one way to deduce a Lanson Champagne was because of its racy, refreshing acidity.
Hervé Dantan, Lanson Winemaker, came all the way from Champagne to speak to Manhattan’s top wine writers.
The Lanson house itself was founded in 1760, making it the fourth oldest Champagne House.
This event took place in New York City. The venue was wine bar CorkBuzz on 13th Street.
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Quality First
Mr. Dantan began the presentation discussing the history of Champagne Lanson.
He underscored the attention that the house puts into selecting only the very best grapes, then giving them the time and attention they deserve.
Lanson Black Lable Brut
The authentic style of Le Black Label Brut comes from the House know-how based on:
• A selection of the finest Crus of Champagne (including historical villages such as Dizy, Verzenay, Trépail …)
• The original Champagne vinification method of low malolactic fermentation for incomparable fruitiness and freshness.
• A palette of reserve wines spanning numerous vintages over 20 years.
• A longer aging time in cellar.
LANSON LE GREEN LABEL ORGANIC
Inspired by nature, Lanson Champagne has created Le Green Label Organic from a single vineyard located in the villages of Verneuil & Vandières.
The 40 acres of the Domaine de la Malmaison vineyard are cultivated organically and bio-dynamically with the greatest respect to the vines and the soil.
This fresh and authentic style of Le Green Label comes from the House know-how based on the strict respect of biodynamic viticulture rules.
The original Champagne vinification method of low malolactic fermentation for incomparable fruitiness and freshness.
LANSON LE ROSE
As one of the first rosé Champagnes created, Le Rosé benefits from more than 60 years of rosé-making experience of Lanson. It is sought after for its pale salmon color and characteristic freshness reminiscent of the Black Label.
The delicate and fruity style of Le Rosé results from the House know-how based on:
• A selection of the finest Crus of Champagne.
• The original Champagne vinification method of low malolactic fermentation for incomparable fruitiness and freshness.
• A palette of reserve wines spanning numerous vintages over 20 years.
• The subtle addition of 7% of red wines Pinot Noir from Bouzy, les Riceys and Pinot Meunier from the Marne Valley.
• A longer aging time in cellar.
Le Clos Lanson
As a special treat we tasted The Le Clos Lanson. It was made from 100% of Chardonnay grapes, grown in a special walled vineyard in the center of Reims
Located in the heart of Reims and facing the Cathedral, the Clos Lanson is the secret garden of the Maison.
This historic one-hectare plot only produces a very limited number of bottles each year. The very chalky soil and the microclimate enjoyed by the Clos allow it to develop complex notes. Its rarity and exceptional aromas make it a precious wine.
Lanson Le Vintage 2009
The 2009 harvest offered a complex wine that is characterized by its richness, its freshness, its generous aromatic expression, and its balance.
The color is straw yellow, sparkling with fine bubbles. The aromas of pears, apricots, candied fruits, honey, acacia flowers and lime blossom form an intense bouquet.
This Champagne tasting was invigorating and insightful. I respected Mr. Dantan’s knowledge and enthusiasm.
These Champagnes act as delicious examples of what this house has to offer.
