Champagne Drappier

The history of Maison Drappier dates back to 1808

Maison Drappier's signature comes from its history. It's Pinot Noir, which today has become a genuine Maison specialty. In the early 1930s, under the leadership of Georges Collot, grandfather of Michel Drappier, the current head of the company, a controversy arose in the winegrowing world of Urville. At the time, the vineyards surrounding this village on the Côte des Bar were renowned above all for their Chardonnay vines, which were in the majority.

Inversely, Georges Collot took the decision to replant a large part of his vineyard with Pinot Noir.

This decision earned him the nickname "Père Pinot". Since then, Pinot Noir has accounted for 70% of Drappier's vineyards and nearly 75% of the Urville terroir. With a solid foundation, the House of Drappier has developed around the creation of Champagne cuvées, each of which has conquered the widest possible audience and gained international renown.

In 1952, Georges Collot's successors, André and Micheline Drappier, created Champagne Carte d'Or. With 75% Pinot Noir, this cuvée is the very expression of the Maison Drappier style. Pinot Noir brings a specific aromatic richness to this cuvée, contributing to its fruity bouquet, with notes of quince jelly. The unmistakable yellow label is a nod to these gourmet notes.

In 1965, Maison Drappier brought out a cuvée composed of 80% Pinot Noir and 20% Chardonnay, which after seducing General de Gaulle for both official receptions and family consumption, took his name.

In 1968, Micheline Drappier set about creating a Rosé Champagne, 100% Pinot Noir. Its distinctive feature was that it was a rosé de saigné (bled rosé), quite rare in Champagne winemaking practices. This Rosé Champagne became increasingly successful over time. Forty years later, it is served at the Elysée Palace.

Exceptional grape varieties are found in the Maison Drappier vineyards

Today, the Drappier vineyard extends over 55 hectares, located in the heart of the family fiefdom, in Urville on the Côte des Bar. The vineyard's grape varieties include a large majority of Pinot Noir, 70% of the plantier, complemented by 15% Chardonnay and 15% Pinot Meunier. This vineyard also boasts a small treasure trove, protected and carefully cultivated, with varieties that are much rarer today, such as Petit Meslier, Blanc Vrai and Arbanne. Maison Drappier also works 50 hectares under associated contracts, divided between the Montagne de Reims, renowned for the power of its Pinot Noir, and the Côte des Blancs, home of the Chardonnays.

The diversity of terroirs enables Maison Drappier to obtain the very best of Champagne to produce its cuvées. Maison Drappier's development is rooted in respect for nature, and in the care taken to pass on know-how that has become part of our heritage. Viticulture is carried out as naturally as possible. One third of the vineyard is certified organic.

Respect for each grape variety is the watchword at Maison Drappier

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Always in search of greater authenticity, Maison Drappier practices precise, low-intervention winemaking. The aim is to respect the expression of each grape variety and the specificity of each plot. This commitment is reflected in the minimal use of sulfur in the winemaking process. Drappier is renowned for using the lowest doses in the industry. In the same vein, the liqueurs used for the expeditions are carefully aged in oak barrels and Dame Jeanne for 10 years before being added to the cuvées.

Champagne Brut Nature is Maison Drappier's flagship cuvée

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Today, one cuvée is fully representative of the work carried out at Maison Drappier: Champagne Brut Nature. This champagne is a 100% Pinot Noir cuvée, entirely produced from a first press without dosage and bottled without expedition liqueur. A portion of natural residual sugar, less than 2 g, remains in the bottle, bringing chewiness and greediness. In addition, a minimal dose of sulfur, no more than 0.002%, leaves the wine alive and free to express its full nature. This cuvée is even available without added sulfur, a sign of Drappier's full commitment and achievement.