Champagne Lasseaux
The history of the House of Lasseaux: tradition and innovation in the heart of Champagne
The story of the Lasseaux family begins in La Neuville-aux-Larris, in the heart of the Marne Valley, with Claire Simone Geoffroy, the grandmother of Baptiste and Vincent. Born in 1922 to Octave Geoffroy, she grew up amidst 30 hectares of vineyards in Belval and Cuchery.
While visiting her sister Claire, Simone met the young Jean-Louis Lasseaux. The two formed a close relationship from the start, so much so that in 1949 they decided to join their destinies. 💍
Photo: Champagne Lasseaux/ www.lasseaux.com
A growing family business
The Lasseaux family expanded rapidly with the birth of four children, including Philippe in 1956. While Jean worked in the wire drawing department of the Festigny mill, he initiated the creation of the L'Entraide cooperative, which responded to the need for mutual support in the village – both in the pressing and in winemaking.
From a modest 36 m² in 1955, the vineyard grew to 65 m² by 1965, reaching an area of 2.15 hectares in 1977. This year also marked an important turning point in the history of the house: the commercialization of Champagne Jean Lasseaux.
Philippe, Jean-Louis' son, witnessed the family business's rise firsthand. He trained at the CFA (Course of Agriculture and Viticulture) in Châtillon-sur-Marne and made a name for himself alongside his father. After a stint in the transport and delivery industry, Philippe decided to return to his true passion, the vineyards. Meeting his wife Annick in 1976 was a decisive factor. Together, they planted a plot of Pinot Noir and, starting in 1980, Meunier. 🍇
The Philippe Lasseaux brand, created in 1981, operated alongside the Jean Lasseaux brand until 1995. Over the years, Philippe's vineyard grew, encompassing 1.7 hectares by 1986. Thanks to positive word of mouth, a broad distribution network developed, primarily selling brut and demi-sec wines, primarily in Paris. Despite his role as an administrator in the cooperative, Philippe also found time for direct sales. In 1991, the business added a grape harvester.
The next generation
During his 40 years of activity, Philippe acquired 2.5 hectares of land, which he now passes on to his two sons, Vincent and Baptiste.
Photo: Champagne Lasseaux/ www.lasseaux.com
Vincent, the communicator
Vincent, the eldest of the brothers, was born on February 14, 1981. After completing his schooling in Reims and Edinburgh, he decided to study engineering in public works. Today, he is responsible for transport logistics and traffic development, as well as managing the brand's export development and social media presence.
Baptiste, the practitioner
Baptiste, born on June 2, 1987, developed a passion for the vineyards at an early age. After working in the industry for several years, he joined the family business in 2015, initially part-time and later full-time. With high standards of quality, he oversees the work in the vineyard and cellar, assisted by a colleague, his father, and his uncle.
Photo: Champagne Lasseaux/ www.lasseaux.com
Champagne Lasseaux et Fils
In 2010, the brand was renamed Champagne Lasseaux et Fils, and the equipment – from corks to labels – was modernized. Today, its vineyard covers 6.5 hectares, of which 1.70 hectares are in production. Over the years, the vineyard has been expanded through leases and the purchase of previously leased plots, particularly through candlelit auctions. The third generation, represented by the Lasseaux brothers, continues the work of their predecessors with conviction.
Baptiste and Vincent know they must find innovative ways to compete and distinguish their brand worldwide. Together, they aim to highlight a terroir and preserve a craftsmanship that contributes to the excellence of French heritage.