With over 260 years of history, Champagne Lanson is one of the Champagne region’s most emblematic Champagne houses. I had the chance to visit the tasting room, cellars, and famous Clos Lanson in March with a few friends and we so enjoyed our time there! From the entry-level cuvées to the rare and exceptional, this house has something for everyone. Read on to learn more about Lanson and its wines. 

Champagne [SHAHM-PAN-YUH]

One of France’s most popular wine regions, specializing in the creation of incredible sparkling wines driven by its unique terroir and three major grape varieties: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier. 

Champagne Lanson [SHAHM-PAN-YUH LAW-SOHN]

One of Champagne’s oldest houses, founded in 1760. Champagne Lanson is one of the best in the region and is among the only houses to have received a Royal Charter from the British Monarchy. With eyes toward the future, its new organic Champagne label features greater transparency for consumers. 

Vallée de la Marne [VAL-AY DEU LA MARN]

Subregion within Champagne where Lanson owns several vineyards and buys grapes. The Vallée de la Marne is the most central of the four subregions and also extends the farthest west. 

Reims [RAS]

Champagne’s capital city. Known for its incredible gothic cathedral, it is the home of Champagne Lanson’s cellars and tasting rooms, where you can book your next visit.

Grand Cru [GRAW KROO]

Champagnes (or wines in general) labeled grand cru denote the best quality the region has to offer. In Champagne, it refers specifically to wines made from grapes grown in specific villages with outstanding terroir. Over 50% of Champagne Lanson’s iconic cuvée Le Black Création is produced from Grand Cru or Premier Cru vineyards (see next term).

Premier Cru [PREM-YAY KROO]

Meaning “first growth” – denotes a wine of superior quality. This label is just beneath grand cru and is a cut above the rest. As with grand cru, refers specifically to wines made from grapes grown in specific villages with incredible terroir. 

Clos Lanson [KLOH LAW-SOHN]

A one-hectare, walled vineyard within the city of Reims that belongs to Champagne Lanson. Used to make its distinctive “Clos Lanson” cuvée in outstanding years. 

Pinot Meunier [PEE-NO MOON-YAY]

One of the three main grape varieties used to make wine in Champagne. 

Pinot Noir [PEE-NO NWA]

One of the three main grape varieties used to make wine in Champagne. 

Chardonnay [SHAR-DOH-NAY]

One of the three main grape varieties used to make wine in Champagne. 

Blanc de Blancs [BLAW DEU BLAW]

Meaning “white from whites”, this is used to describe a Champagne that only uses white grape varieties (usually Chardonnay). 

Domaine de la Malmaison [DOH-MEN DEU LA MAL-MAY-ZAW]

The name of one of the Champagne region’s largest organic and biodynamic wine-making estates, owned by Champagne Lanson.

Verneuil [VAIR-NOY]

One of the two cru or vineyard village sites where grapes for Le Green Label are sustainably grown without the use of pesticides. 

Vandières [VAWN-DEE-AIR]

The other cru or vineyard village site where grapes for Le Green Label are sustainably grown without the use of pesticides. 

Santé [SAWNTAY]

Literally meaning “To your health!” this is used in the place of “Cheers!” in traditional French. The Lanson Cross derives from the cross of the Order of Malta, symbolizing openness, kindness, and hospitality—all cherished sentiments behind a heartfelt “Santé!”

The key to pronunciation, no matter the language, is practice. Keep playing and reading through the above and you’ll be a pro at Champagne Lanson in no time! A glass of my favorite wine from them – Le Green Label – while you’re working certainly doesn’t hurt, either. Santé !

This blog post has been generously sponsored by Champagne Lanson. All thoughts and opinions shared here are uniquely my own. Thank you for supporting French Wine Tutor! Looking for more pronunciation guides? Check out the Complete Pronunciation Guide to Côtes du Rhône or check out more wines on the blog.

The Rhône Valley is renowned the world over for its incredible blends of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre. But while some appellations and crus get all the glory, some of the best buys in the GSM categories are humble Côtes-du-Rhône and their cousins, Côtes-du-Rhône Villages. Here’s how to pronounce some of the key terms and tasting notes associated with these delicious, affordable, high-quality wines from south-central France. 

1. Rhône [ROHN]

The name of the region from which Côtes-du-Rhône hails. A beautiful place in southeastern France that spans from south of Lyon to the Mediterranean ocean.

2. Côtes-du-Rhône [KOHT DYOO ROHN]

This is a category within Rhône Valley wines that represents accessible, high quality reds, whites, and rosés. 

3. Le Mistral [LEU MEE-STRAL]

The Mistral is a legendary strong wind that blows through the Rhône Valley. Its cooling influence has a significant impact on grapes and their growth throughout the region.

4. Syrah [SEE-RAH]

This famous red grape variety is native to the south of France and used in both red and rosé blends in the north and south of the Rhône Valley. It often adds notes of spice and savory to the wines. 

5. Grenache [GRUH-NASH]

Grenache (also known as Garnacha in Spain, where it’s originally from) is one of the world’s most popular red grape varieties, particularly popular in the south of France due to its resistance to drought and heat. It’s a key variety for the production of Côtes-du-Rhône and often makes the perfect blend with partners Syrah and Mourvèdre.

6. Mourvèdre [MOR-VEDRUH]

Like its blending partner Grenache, Mourvèdre originated in Spain, where it’s known as Monastrell. It’s a popular grape variety to use in Côtes-du-Rhône red and rosé blends, where it often adds tannin and beautiful complex color to the wines. 

7. Ardèche [AR-DEHSH]

Ardèche is a subregion of the Rhône Valley where Côtes-du-Rhône is produced, located on the western side of the Rhône river. It is home to one special village that can add its name to the Côtes-du-Rhône Villages label. 

8. Saint-Andéol [SAENT-AW-DAY-OHL]

The only current named village within Ardèche that can add its village name to the label, denoting fantastic quality. It is one of the most recent villages that earned the right to do this – only six years ago in 2017! 

9. Gard [GAR]

Another subregion of the Rhône Valley where Côtes-du-Rhône is produced. It is home to four named villages that can be added to the label. 

10. Laudun [LOH-DAW]

A named Côtes-du-Rhône Village in the Gard region. Laudun is unique in the Côtes-du-Rhône Villages category in that its white wines are some of the best in the region, known for their freshness and acidity. 

11. Vaucluse [VOH-KLOOZ]

This subregion from within Côtes-du-Rhône has 10 named villages that can add their name to the label – the most of any other subregion.

12. Séguret [SAY-GYER-AY]

One of the oldest Côtes-du-Rhône Villages, Séguret became one of CDR’s named villages in Vaucluse in 1967. 

13. Drôme [DROHM]

The final major subregion, home to six Côtes-du-Rhône Village appellations. Easy to remember – it rhymes with Rhône and is pronounced very similarly!

14. Rousset-les-Vignes [ROO-SAY LAY VINYUH]

One of the northernmost village appellations, Rousset-les-Vignes is located on the top of a mountain massif. 

15. Santé ! [SAWNTAY]

Literally meaning “To your health!” this is used in the place of “Cheers!” in traditional French. 

The key to pronunciation, no matter the language, is practice. Keep playing and reading through the above and you’ll be a pro at the Rhône in no time! A glass of Côtes-du-Rhône while you’re working certainly doesn’t hurt, either. Santé !

This blog post has been generously sponsored by Côtes du Rhône & Côtes du Rhône Villages. All thoughts and opinions shared here are uniquely my own. Thank you for supporting French Wine Tutor! Looking for more pronunciation guides? Check out my Complete Pronunciation Guide to Provence or check out more wines on the blog.

Ah, Provence. A soft breeze, lavender and herbs in the air, the Southern French sun, and of course – rosé. Provence is an iconic region in France for its breathtaking views, fascinating history, and unique culinary culture. Over the last few decades, wine producers from around the region have also made its rosés the gold standard for rosés everywhere. Read (and listen!) on to learn more about this region and what makes one of its newest producers and négociants, Les Sarrins, so unique. 

1. Provence [PRO-VANS]

The theme of this post! Provence is a beautiful region in the south of France that is famous for its joie de vivre, warm weather, incredible cuisine, and landscapes (from sea to mountain and everything in between!). 

2. Haut Var [OH VAR]

Translated as the “Upper Var”, this is the most northerly area of Provence and is where Les Sarrins grows and sources all the grapes that it uses for Les Sarrins. The climate here is mountainous, with higher altitude and mineral limestone soils, which lends a distinct aroma and flavor profile to the rosés produced here. 

3. Le Mistral [LEU MEE-STRAL]

The Mistral is a legendary strong wind that blows through Provence and the Rhône Valley. Its cooling influence has a significant impact on grapes and their growth throughout the region.

4. Côtes de Provence [KOHT DEU PRO-VANS]

This is the largest appellation within the Provence region and is responsible for nearly 72% of all the wine produced there. It’s also the appellation that Les Sarrins operates within! 

5. Coteaux d’Aix en Provence [KOH-TOH AKS AW PRO-VANS]

This appellation’s area surrounds the city of Aix-en-Provence (hence the name!) and encompasses the most western area of Provence, just north of Marseille. The famous Sainte-Victoire mountain, which was featured in one of Cézanne’s paintings, is located here as well and gives the wines a unique mountainous flair. 

6. Coteaux Varois en Provence [KOH-TOH VARWAH AW PRO-VANS]

Located within central Provence, this appellation is the newest and the smallest of the three Provençal AOC. Its unique patchwork of calcareous soil types make for distinctive rosés. 

7. Les Sarrins [LAY SAIR-RIN]

The official name of Bruno Paillard’s newest Provençal wine brand. This is a light and floral rosé that is perfect for summer sipping. 

8. Grenache [GRUH-NASH]

Grenache (also known as Garnacha in Spain, where it’s originally from) is one of the world’s most popular red grape varieties, particularly popular in the south of France due to its resistance to drought and heat. It’s a key variety for the production of Provence rosé.

9. Cinsault [SAEN-SOH]

Often called the unsung hero of Provence blends, Cinsault is a red grape native to Provence that lends softer tannins and fruit notes to rosé blends. 

10. Syrah [SEE-RAH]

This famous red grape variety is native to the south of France and used in both red and rosé blends in Provence. It often adds notes of spice and savory to rosés. 

11. Rolle (Vermentino) [ROHL]

Rolle (known as Vermentino in Italy) is one of Provence’s most often-used white grape varieties. It adds citrus and helps to make rosé blends feel softer and rounder, especially when used in conjunction with the three main red grapes above. 

12. Dénominations Géographiques Complémentaires [DAY-NAWMINASEE-AW JAY-OH-GRAH-FEEK KAWMPLAY-MAWN-TAIR]

Translated as “complementary geographical designations”, this term denotes subregions from within a larger appellation that have specific conditions and/or soil types for grape growing. Côtes de Provence has five dénominations gégoraphiques complémentaires. 

13. Les notes florales [LAY NOHT FLORAL]

Meaning “floral notes” in French, this term will often be used to describe rosés from Provence. Common notes include white flowers and roses.

14. Les notes fruités [LAY NOHT FWEETAY]

Meaning “fruity notes” in French, this term will often be used to describe rosés from Provence. Common fruit notes include citrus, melon, peach, and even strawberry and red cherry. 

15. Rosé léger [ROZAY LAYJAY]

This translates to “light rosé”; it’s something that could be used to describe the rosés that come to Provence due to their traditionally light color. 

16. Santé ! [SAWNTAY]

Literally meaning “To your health!” this is used in the place of “Cheers!” in traditional French. 

The key to pronunciation, no matter the language, is practice. Keep playing and reading through the above and you’ll be a pro at Provence in no time! A glass of Les Sarrins rosé while you’re working certainly doesn’t hurt, either. Santé !

This blog post has been generously sponsored by Les Sarrins Rosé. All thoughts and opinions shared here are uniquely my own. Thank you for supporting French Wine Tutor! Check out more wines on the blog.