Lanson tries biodynamics

Lanson-BCC has acquired 13 hectares of biodynamic vineyard in the Marne Valley around the village of Verneuil.

Seventeen hectares of biodynamic vineyard, previously owned by Leclerc Briant, came up for sale after owner Pascal Leclerc Briant died in October last year.
 
Explaining the decision to purchase the vineyard, which has been certified biodynamic for several years, Philippe Baijot, co-founder of Lanson-BCC told the drinks business: “I think biodynamic Champagne will be important and it’s a new challenge for us, but it’s for the long term.”
 
He pointed out that the site, which contains mostly black grapes Pinot Noir and Pinot Meuner, will require replanting in places, but said that the new vineyard should produce 200,000 bottles of biodynamic Champagne in four to five years.
 
He admitted that Lanson-BCC was pleased to be able to secure the land, not just because of its certification and location, but also because of widespread interest from other houses in Champagne.
 
“Our work is never finished, and that’s why when the opportunity to buy the vineyard came up we took it,” he added.
 
Lanson-BCC is currently looking for someone to manage the site.

Louis Roederer confirmed that it too had purchased 2ha of biodynamic vineyards around Cumières also in the Marne Valley during the sale.

Leclerc’s daughters are continuing their late father’s operation and now manage 10ha of biodynamic vineyards.

Patrick Schmitt, reporting from Champagne, 13.01.2011