Hervé Dantan
Hervé Dantan’s journey began in 1965 near Vitry-le-François, in Marne in the Champagne region, as the son of a dedicated winegrower. The rich and fertile environment of the vineyards and the power of nature always held a profound fascination for him. His path led him through the hallowed halls of viticulture and oenology studies across iconic French wine regions, from Bordeaux and Alsace to Burgundy. Armed with an extensive education, Hervé’s curiosity and thirst for knowledge knew no bounds and encouraged him to cross the Atlantic to California to apply his expertise in this new frontier and learn from a different environment. Remarkably, at the youthful age of 25, in the year 1991, Hervé was entrusted with the role of winemaker at a prestigious Champagne producer. Over the course of 22 years, he left an indelible mark.
The turning point came in July 2013, when Hervé sought out fresh horizons and joined the Maison Lanson. Inheriting the mantle from the venerable Jean-Paul Gandon, a daring winemaker with a remarkable 43-year legacy, Hervé embraced this new chapter with fervor. He embarked on the mission of enriching the House’s heritage of freshness and elegance while infusing his inimitable touch into the Lanson tradition.
With an adaptive spirit, open mind and guided by his quest for excellence, Hervé became a maestro of precision in blending, elevating the craft with each harvest’s idiosyncrasies. His creative spirit extended beyond the blends, reshaping the production facility, refining expertise, and advancing cultural practices. In a momentous leap in 2023, Hervé Dantan redefined the iconic Le Black Label to introduce Le Black Création. This title perfectly encapsulates the bespoke artistry required to honor the unique character of every harvest. Each Création is graced with a number, a nod to the House’s storied history since its inception in 1760—a timeless tradition given new life under Hervé’s visionary leadership.
