Lanson
History and Background
Champagne Lanson, with roots dating back to 1760, is one of the oldest and most esteemed champagne houses in Reims, France. Founded by François Delamotte, the house is known for its distinctive, fresh, and elegant style. Lanson's commitment to traditional winemaking methods, including the avoidance of malolactic fermentation, results in champagnes that are crisp and vibrant. The house's rich history and consistent quality have earned it a prestigious reputation worldwide.
Vineyards and Terroir
Champagne Lanson's vineyards are situated in the Champagne region of France, particularly in the Montagne de Reims and Côte des Blancs:
Soil Composition: The soils are predominantly chalk and limestone, ideal for producing refined and elegant champagnes.
Grape Varieties: The estate primarily grows Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier, producing champagnes that are celebrated for their crispness and complexity.
Wine Style and Production
- Key Characteristics: Lanson's wines are recognized for their vibrancy and refinement, featuring lively citrus and orchard fruit flavors, alongside nuances of toast and honey. Their champagnes are typically light to medium-bodied, marked by high acidity and a crisp, minerally finish which are all signature elements that denote the house style.
- Winemaking Philosophy: Lanson is committed to a winemaking approach that honors its rich heritage while prioritizing purity and natural expressions of the grape. Notably, Lanson does not practice malolactic fermentation, which is a decision that aims to preserve the natural acidity and freshness of the wine. This method, combined with long aging in cellars, allows the champagnes to develop complexity and aromatic richness.
- Influence on Style and Quality: Lanson's distinctive non-malolactic fermentation technique plays a crucial role in defining the house style, contributing to the freshness and longevity of its wines. This, along with careful selection of fruit from premier and grand cru vineyards and aging in chalk cellars, ensures high quality and expressive champagnes. Lanson's dedication to quality and its unique production choices enable the creation of champagnes that are not only fresh but also have the potential to age gracefully.
Reputation
Lanson, a respected name in the Champagne industry, dates back to its founding in 1760 in Reims, France. The house stands out due to its significant tenure in the wine industry, symbolizing tradition and consistent quality. Lanson is celebrated for its unique approach to winemaking, notably its non-malolactic fermentation process. This distinct method involves avoiding the softening of wine through secondary fermentation, resulting in Champagne with higher acidity and a crisper, fresher flavor profile. This characteristic makes Lanson’s products particularly suitable for aging, developing complex flavors over time.
Lanson's commitment to quality is also seen in its adherence to using grapes from only Grand Cru and Premier Cru vineyards in the Champagne region, which ensures a higher standard of base wine. Additionally, the company functioned as an official supplier to the British court, which has contributed to its prestigious image on the international stage. Lanson’s branding and presentation in its signature Black Label further emphasize its heritage and standing within the luxury goods market. These elements collectively contribute to the esteem in which Lanson is held in the global wine community.
Final Thoughts
Lanson, one of the oldest Champagne houses, established in 1760, has long stood out for its exceptionality in the crowded field of fine sparkling wines. It distinguishes itself through a steadfast commitment to traditional winemaking methods, specifically its choice to avoid malolactic fermentation. This technique preserves the natural acidity of the wine, yielding champagnes that are especially fresh, crisp, and capable of aging gracefully. Such dedication to craft has not only garnered Lanson an esteemed Royal Warrant from the Queen of England but has also enabled it to maintain a distinctive house style that emphasizes vitality and purity of flavor. This approach, coupled with their revered aged vintage collections and environmentally conscious production practices, solidifies Lanson's reputation as both a guardian of heritage and an innovator within the Champagne region.