Happy bloody birthday Lanson! Did you know that 2010 sees the venerable champagne makers celebrating 250 years since they were founded in 1760 by François Delamotte, a magistrate no less? I bet his rulings were pretty erratic, the bubbly-quaffing judgie.

Be that as it may, Lanson is today one of the most respected champagnes around, despite various difficulties in the ’90s (related to alleged vineyard-stripping activities by LVMH) and later in 2005. But Lanson has survived and if anything has gone from strength to strength.

This summer Lanson are helpfully suggesting various high-profile sporting events at which to enjoy some of the different varieties of their champagne: Classic Black Label NV in a special Wimbledon cooler, lightly floral Lanson Rosé NV at the races, or perhaps the deliciously decadent Gold Label 1999 if England somehow manage to win the World Cup. And if they don’t, you can always lay it down for the next one.

As good as all this sounds, you don’t really need sport to enjoy Lanson – just a glass, or, if you’re feeling generous, two glasses. But sport can be good – I’ll be quaffing the 1999 Gold Label with a  big pile of scotch eggs at Lord’s all summer. Perfect!

Lanson have also produced a Little Black Book of Champagne, which you get free by clicking on the link. How marvellous.