Lanson Champagne Festival at Geja's Cafe

Geja’s Cafe, 340 W. Armitage, will celebrate the holiday season with the 33rd Annual Champagne Festival featuring the Champagnes of Lanson. The three-month festival, which offers guests a chance to sample a majority of the Lanson portfolio, begins Saturday, December 1 and extends through February 28, 2013.

To kick off the festival, Geja’s Cafe will host a special tasting open to the public featuring seven uniquely delicious Champagnes from Lanson on Sunday, December 2nd.  The tasting begins at 1:00 p.m. and costs $30 per person.This afternoon to remember will feature a spectacular theatrical representation of the theme and story behind the Lanson Champagne house.

 Gallant knights in shining armor will ride a top noble stallions down Armitage Avenue to Geja’s Cafe. Upon arrival, each guest will ceremoniously be presented with a keepsake sword and sworn into the ranks of the austere warriors by the knights themselves. Sword play and Champagne…how else would one prefer to spend a cold December afternoon?

 Champagne Lanson is not "typical" Champagne.  Setting Lanson apart is its traditional non-malolactic fermentation. Prior to the 1950s, most top-quality French Champagnes were made this way, until several major houses shifted to the more expeditious malolactic fermentation, which saves aging time and gives the wine a completely different flavor profile. Non-malolactic fermentation results in a more fruit-driven wine, where purity of fruit and the mouthwatering experience makes for the perfect aperitif Champagne. Rather than accelerating the aging process, Lanson Champagnes are first aged slowly in chalk cellars and then, after they are bottled, non-vintage blends are cellared for no fewer than three years, while vintage blends age a minimum of five years. The longer aging process allows the champagne’s flavors to evolve more fully, resulting in elegant champagnes that retain a purity of fruit, have crisp, clean, fresh flavors and the ability to age gracefully.

 Known for romantic fondue dining–food one prepares and shares–and an extensive list of fine, moderately priced wines, Geja’s features over 20 different types of fondue entrees as well as cheese fondue and chocolate dessert fondue.  An enchanting wine cellar atmosphere, private booths, and subdued lighting contribute to its intimate surrounding.  Live flamenco and classical guitarists serenade diners on weekends.

 Hours for Geja’s Cafe are Monday through Thursday, 5 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.; Friday, 5 p.m. to 11:00, Saturday, 5 p.m. to 11:30; Sunday, 4:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Valet parking is available.  For reservations or further information about the Champagne Festival, please call 773-281-9101.