Drappier : Charles de Gaulle

The authentic character of an exceptional cuvée

The producer

Since its creation in 1808, the Drappier Champagne House, whose vaulted cellars date back to the 12th century, enjoys a history that is closely linked to Pinot Noir, its favourite grape variety. Indeed, in the the 1930s and 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 champagne to relish during family get-togethers.

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

The vineyard

The vineyard of the Drappier Champagne House spreads across 100 hectares of vines. Located to the south of Reims, the vineyard of the Drappier House is divided between its old vines in the Côte des Bar, its intense Pinot Noir grapes in the Montagne de Reims along with the very fine Chardonnay grapes in the Côte des Blancs. This vineyard is distinctive due to limestone-rich terroir combined with maximum sunshine. Some of the Drappier House’s plots are also worked with draught horses.

The wine

The Charles de Gaulle cuvée is the house’s emblematic wine and stems from a special encounter. Living a few kilometres from Urville, the historic headquarters of the Drappier House, General de Gaulle became fascinated by their champagnes. The Charles de Gaulle cuvée by Drappier pays tribute to this great man through a bold champagne, whose power and authenticity are revealed in their most beautiful expression.

Vinification and ageing

The Charles de Gaulle cuvée by the Maison Drappier is made from the first press. Vinification by gravity. Malolactic fermentation. The juice is partially aged in wood. Aged in bottles for 36 months. Its dosage is 7 gr/litre. Boasting the Drappier House's signature feature, which carries out a never-ending quest for authenticity and naturalness, the dose of sulphur is minimal.

The blend

Who better than Pinot Noir to bring out the strength of this bold character? With its richness and powerful vinosity, Drappier's Charles de Gaulle comprises a blend of 80% Pinot Noir, the House's signature grape variety, and 20% Chardonnay.

Charles de Gaulle by Drappier: Characteristics and tasting tips

The tasting

With wines blended after ageing entirely in vats, the result is an extremely fresh champagne.

Nose

The finesse of the aromatic bouquet is revealed through delicate notes of apples and dried fruit, reminiscent of spicy scents of nutmeg and enlivened by the brightness of citrus notes.

Palate

On the palate, the Charles de Gaulle Cuvée is complex and refined, with a delicious density and notes of candied fruit, while the finesse of the bubbles persists through to an elegant and airy finish. A fine, authentic and harmonious champagne that possesses a bold character.

Food and wine pairing

Ideal as an aperitif, the Charles de Gaulle cuvée goes well with a pheasant hen stuffed with foie gras, mesclun salad with grilled guinea fowl or Brie de Meaux.

Service

For an optimal tasting, serve at 8°C.