[EVENT] VIP Champagne Tasting by Lanson Champagne

February 19th, 2014. I was invited to an event from Dimatique and MAD called VIP Champagne Tasting by Lanson Champagne. It was an honour for me to come to an event like this. I met a couple of bloggers and friends from media. Now, let me show you the invitation below :)

This event was held to introduce Lanson Champagne. Lanson Champagne is a family-owned champagne house that has been crafting exquisite champagne since 1760. Unlike many houses, Lanson choose to avoid malolactic fermentation and insist on longer ageing, normally more than double of the minimum ageing time required. As a result, Lanson Champagne is crips, fresh and uplifting, with exceptional purity of fruit.

First, I would like to share a view pictures from MAD. MAD (Modern Asian Diner) is a creative modern dining concept created by Singapore-based TungLok Group which located at the brand new Lotte Shopping Avenue at Ciputra World. By introducing many different elements of food, wine, creative cocktails and entertainment in one place, MAD is an artisan dining experience that pieces together a jigsaw of the finest and a unique ambiance that a fun venue has to offer and cannot be found anywhere else.

The 200-seater restaurant features an open-concept kitchen and a bar, both with counter seats, allowing diners to interact freely with the chefs and mixologists at work. There is a large main dining hall, and a function room that can accommodate up to 30 guests for cosy, private celebrations.

At that event, Mr Anton Hobbs, Export Director of Lanson Champagne, was giving speech.

In this event, MAD is featuring modern and quirky canapé paired with 5 different Lanson Champagne. I will tell you one by one. This event is supported by PT Dimatique International as a part of PT Dima Group with main concentration in marketing and sales of wine with the highest quality of service. Lanson is exclusively distributed by PT Dimatique International in Indonesia, with Mr Yohan Handoyo as the Wine Expert.

Black Label Brut NV

The style of this champagne blend is constant throughout the years, a balance between power and elegance, strong one aromas and finesse, truly characteristic of the Lanson style.

After ageing for a minimum of 3 years in the cellars, Lanson Black Label is harmonious and fully matured. It has a brilliant, clear colour with amber highlights and a joyful stream of fine bubbles.

The nose reveals springtime aromas as well as some subtle "toasty" and honey notes. On the palate the bouquet of ripe fruits and citrus give the wine a well-rounded feel, but one that is light with its fresh finish.

Ivory Label Demi-Sec NV

Up to the early 20th century, champagnes were systematical given a sweet touch. Today, Lanson artfully continues that tradition with a perfect dosage that reveals the fruity aromas of Ivory Label.

After a minimum of 3 years ageing in the cellars, Ivory Label unveils its colour with gold-coloured highlights that hint at the presence of Pinot Noir. On the nose, the champagne exudes aromas of ripe fruit, cinnamon and honey. On the palate it is fruity, all fullness and sensuality - the perfect thing if you wish to serve something refined to accompany foie gras, fruit tarts and succulent desserts.

Extra Age Brut NV

Emblematic of the Lanson style, Extra Age Brut is a blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from selected "grand cru" and "premier cru" vineyards and a marriage of 3 exceptional Lanson vintages: 2000, 2002 and 2004.

Blended and matured in Maison Lanson's historic cellars, this extraordinary blend has waited more that five years to achieve its ultimate expression.

The the eye, Extra Age Brut is a vibrant straw yellow with fine bubbles. The first clues, notes of yellow fruit and dried fruit, combine quickly with fragrances of honey, biscuit and sweet spices, developing a powerful and complete aromatic palette. The mouth is seduced by the meaty attack and the full, rich body with a focus on the fruit. The clear finish ends with the characteristic freshness of Maison Lanson's style.

The interns aromatic palette of Extra Age Brut will marry perfectly with rich, flavourful dishes such as scallops with truffle, spiced lobster gratin, roast capon or thrush with sage.

Noble Cuvee Brut Millesime 2000

After a viticultural year marked by climatic variations, good weather, coming back at the right moment, finally allowed for a considerably bountiful harvest and a high level of quality.

The last vintage of the century is characterised by a high sugar level, -and low acidity.- Characteristics which, in liaison with its excellent clean condition, remind us of certain famous vintages.

To create its Noble Cuvee Brut 2000, Lanson selected 2 "Grand Cru" villages from the Cote des Blancs: Avize and Oger, - and a reputable Pinot Noir from the Montage de Reims: the "Grand Cru" village of Verzenay.

To the eye: the Noble Cuvee Brut 2000 presents a light golden colour enlivened by a myriad of fine bubbles. One the nose: aromas of fresh pear, white fruits and floral, honey notes are enriched by notes of baked apples and cinnamon, heightened by a touch of minerality. On the palate: the initial impression is soft with notes of pear and honey.

Noble Cuvee Blanc de Blancs 2000

After a year in the vineyard marked by very varied weather conditions, the fine weather returned at just the right time, allowing us to pick an abundant, very high quality harvest. The grapes had a high sugar content with low acidity.

These characteristics, combined with an excellent state of health, remind us of certain well known vintages. Lanson selected two grand crus from the Cote des Blancs, Avize and Cramant, to produce our Noble Cuvee Blanc de Blancs 2000.

To the eye: the Noble Cuvee Blanc de Blancs 2000 is light gold in colour, with green highlights and a fine bead. On the nose: aromas of yellow flowers and pear are set off by a mineral touch. On the palate: the entry is clean, the slightly honeyed flavours are persistent and the clear-cut finish emphasises the nobility of this cuvee.

Those who love the taste of Lanson and Chardonnay will be delighted by the Noble Cuvee Blanc de Blancs 2000 which combines mineral, complex and subtle flavours. It will be an exceptional aperitif with some sea urchins or a few ocean-bred oysters. And it will be the perfect accompaniment to shellfish and the finest fish.

I love champagne. Especially when it's so light and sweet. And those Lanson were amazing :)

After a while, Mr Anton Hobbs and Mr Yohan Handoyo invited some of us to join them in VIP Room, to taste some of MAD's recommended menu with Lanson's champagne. I just had a chance to take picture of the peking duck and a champagne.

We're having so much time, although we couldn't join the other friends outside the VIP Room. Well, maybe next time :) Thanks MAD, Dimatique and Lanson Champagne for this lovely event. Cannot wait for next event.

MAD (Modern Asian Diner)
Lotte Shopping Avenue
Ciputra World
4th Floor #33 (next to XXI)
Jl. Prof. Dr Satrio Kav 3-5
Jakarta 12940
Phone: 021-29889499
twitter: @madjakarta