Q&A with Champagne Lanson's Cellar Master

What makes Lanson different from other champagne houses? What’s your signature style?

The aromatic signature of the Maison Lanson is first and foremost the fruit of a savoir-faire based on four major pillars: the meticulous selection of Crus, a traditional vinification method mainly without malolactic transformation, the richness of our reserve wines and a longer ageing time in our Cellars. As a result, Lanson Champagnes stand out for their vitality, fruitiness and inimitable freshness.

Please expand on the luxury private cellar collection?

In the heart of Reims, within Maison Lanson’s historic Cellars, lies a Vintages library dating back to 1904, one of the Champagne region’s most extensive collections. Until now, only Vintages from 1976 onward have been available to the public. Maison Lanson now unveils a truly singular offering: Lanson Private Collection, an unprecedented opportunity to access Vintages from the 1920s while becoming the owner of a Private Cellar. Located 50 feet below ground, the confidential 350-foot-long gallery will serve as a secure, climate-controlled setting for each collector’s Private Cellar, which can age up to 300 bottles in ideal conditions.

As Cellar Master, I remain personally available to guide each client in composing a truly bespoke cellar, shaped around their individual tastes, expectations, and vision as a collector. Clients will also have access to a dedicated tasting lounge, along with personalised experiences such as private tastings, cellar visits, and a concierge service that offers curated Champagne stays. Worldwide shipping is also available.

What is the best way to store Champagne – temperature and location

Proper storage is a necessary condition to preserve the aromatic bouquet, the finesse and the quality of the bubbles. A temperature of around 12°C will ensure optimal ageing of the wine and the preservation of its aromas. A constant temperature is also essential to prevent the aromatic bouquet from developing and the texture of the bubbles from changing. The recommended humidity level is 60-80%: below this level, there is a risk of problems with the cork seal and oxidative ageing for the wine. All of these criteria come together in the historic cellars of Maison Lanson, making them the perfect place for the ageing of our wines.

Which glasses are best for serving it in?

The choice of glassware is absolutely key when tasting, as its shape directly influences the way aromas express themselves and unfold. While the flute is historically associated with Champagne, it is not the most suitable option. I would rather recommend using fine wine glasses, whose volume and openness allow the aromas to express themselves fully and develop with precision.

September 2025 was a good harvest for Lanson. Can you talk us through what this means and what we can expect from it?

What makes the 2025 harvest so distinctive is this rare paradox: particularly high ripeness levels, worthy of the sunniest years, combined with remarkably well-preserved acidity, particularly in terms of malic acid. Thanks to our choice to vinify without malolactic fermentation, this natural acidity will fully express itself and ensure wines marked by a unique freshness After a serene growing season and a harvest carried out under optimal conditions, all the elements promise a truly outstanding vintage. 2025 could well be the great August Vintage we have all been waiting for.

What food pairs best with your Champagne?