The History of Lanson - Wimbledon’s Official Champagne

Lanson has been the official Champagne sponsor of Wimbledon Tennis for 48 years. Since 1997, the standout sparkling wine has been the celebratory pour, enjoyed by everyone from the crowd to the players. In recent years, Champagne Lanson has even produced limited edition bottles for Wimbledon, which have become somewhat of a collector's item.

But the history of Champagne Lanson far exceeds that of Wimbledon, so first, let’s take a look over the last 260 years of the family-run Maison.

The history of Champagne Lanson

Founded in 1760, Lanson Champagne is one of the oldest Champagne houses. Based in the heart of Reims, the winery sources grapes from only the best Premier Cru and Grand Cru vineyards to make its wines. In the best years, the Maison also makes Clos Lanson Cuvée, a sparkling wine made from its own plot of vines, in Reims.

Records show that the first wine released by the estate was a sparkling rosé, in 1833. It was one of the first Champagne houses to produce a rosé, and it became a permanent offering in their range in 1952.

One of the first milestones for the Maison was in 1900, when Champagne Lanson received the Royal Warrant from Queen Victoria, the prestigious patent awarded by the British monarch to suppliers to the Royal Court of England. Lanson was one of the first Champagne houses to be awarded the Royal Warrant, which it held uninterruptedly for 124 years.

This helped catapult the brand to fame, cemented by the release of the iconic cuvée, ‘Le Black Label’, in 1937. The name is thought to echo the House's spirit of openness and pays tribute to its links with the Royal Court of England. The Champagne remained the same until 2023, when Cellar Master Hervé Dantan reinvented Le Black Label with Le Black Création.

Finally, we’re back to 1977, when Lanson Champagne became the official partner of Wimbledon Tennis. This was another huge milestone for the Maison, leading to even greater recognition.

Perhaps the biggest changes came for Champagne Lanson in 2013, when new Cellar Master Hervé Dantan joined the team. He took the precision of Lanson blends even further, redesigned the vinification facilities, reshaped the expertise and worked to develop cultural practices to enhance the quality of the wine even further.

Fun fact, the Maltese Cross emblem on each bottle is a tribute to the son of the house’s founder, a member of the Hospitaller Order of Malta. It is a symbol of openness, kindness and hospitality.

So, whether you’re lucky enough to be court side, watching on famous Wimbledon Hill, or are tuning into the tournament at home, do it with a glass of Champagne Lanson in hand.

Lanson 'Le Black Creation' Brut Champagne

Each Création is unique, made with the best grapes from over 100 crus and reserve wines dating back over a decade. And each blend carries its own number – in reference to the number of harvests that have taken place since Maison Lanson was founded in 1760. This, the 257th blend, predominantly uses wine from the 2017 vintage, which produced Chardonnay with marked freshness, intensely fruity Pinot Noir, and notably supple Pinot Meunier. It's then aged for four years before release to dial up the complexity. You’ll find it rich yet elegant with ripe citrus and orchard-fruit flavours, plus notes of brioche and dried fruits.

Lanson 'Le Rosé' Brut Champagne

Lanson made one of the first rosé Champagnes. 60 years later, they perfected their recipe. The Grande Marque's signature rosé is coloured a delightful salmon pink. It's well-rounded and fresh, with intriguing aromas of roses and red fruits. It makes an ideal partner to delicate white meat dishes, or even fresh fruit desserts.

Lanson Noble Champagne Blancs de Blancs

Lanson’s Noble Blanc de Blancs is only made in the best years when weather and growing conditions are perfect for showcasing their craft. And what’s more, it’s only produced with Chardonnay. It’s an expression of the Côte des Blancs’ unique terroir, where soils are perfect for growing the finest Chardonnay grapes, and it’s firm proof that Lanson’s wines are at the pinnacle of Champagne production. Expect delicate aromas of acacia flowers and candied citrus, with flavours of almond, biscuit and a long, saline and zesty finish. It’s incredibly fresh and vibrant – a true masterclass of Chardonnay.