Drappier : Carte d'Or

An aromatic and complex champagne by Drappier

The producer

Since its creation in 1808, the history of the Drappier Champagne House has been closely linked to Pinot Noir, its favourite grape variety. It was in the 1930s that, against the general opinion of the village, this grape variety was replanted on the estate. History proved the house right, and the 100% Pinot Noir Drappier cuvée was General de Gaulle’s favourite during his family meals.

Today, the children of André and Micheline Drappier represent the eighth generation to care for this exceptional organic and biodynamic vineyard by honouring forgotten grape varieties such as Arbane, Petit Meslier and Blanc Vrai.

The vineyard

The vineyard of the Drappier Champagne House spreads over 100 hectares of vines, to the south of Reims, split between the old vines in the Côte des Bar, the intense Pinot Noir in the Montagne de Reims and the very fine Chardonnay from the Côte des Blancs. This vineyard gets its distinctive feature from its limestone-rich terroir combined with maximum amounts of sunshine. Some of the Drappier House’s parcels are also worked with draught horses.

The vinification and ageing

This Carte d'Or cuvée by the Drappier Champagne House is made from the first press. Vinification is carried out by gravity, followed by natural settling. Malolactic fermentation. 5% of the wines are aged in oak barrels. Use of 40% reserve wines. The dosage is 6.5 g/l.

The blend

Carte d'Or by the Drappier House comprises a blend of Pinot Noir (80%), Chardonnay (15%) and Pinot Meunier (5%).

The tasting

Nose

The nose reveals delicious stone fruit fragrances (white vine peach).

Palate

Powerful and complex, the mouth seduces with its spicy notes, its structure and its characteristic quince jelly aromas.

Food and wine pairing

Ideal as an aperitif, Drappier's Carte d'Or goes well with white meat, firm fish or Chaource cheese.