The new blend, released just ahead of the company’s 250th anniversary in 2010, is a recreation of the style of Champagnes produced by Champagne Lanson during the 19th Century and, in keeping with the house style, is made by the traditional method of suppressing malo-lactic fermentation to give a fresher style with a propensity for long ageing.
New packaging includes a smart, black label and neck foil featuring the Royal Warrant, which Champagne Lanson has held since the 19th Century. The company crest, a red Maltese cross, is given great prominence on the bottle. The symbol has been used by Champagne Lanson since 1798 when the founder was succeeded by his son, Nicolas-Louis Delamotte, a knight of the Order of Malta.
The wine is a blend of 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay from Grand Cru and Premier Cru vineyards. Cellar master Jean Paul Gandon has crafted the wine from the 1999, 2002 and 2003 vintages. The Pinot Noir is from Verzenay and Bouzy and the Chardonnay is from the Côte des Blancs: Chouilly, Avize, Oger and Vertus.
Champagne Lanson Extra Age Brut is aged for a minimum of 5 years and it is aimed at the on-trade and independent specialist retailers, with a guide retail price of £50.
