Created in Partnership with Champagne Lanson
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.
