Drappier : Grande Sendrée 2008

A refined and gourmet vintage champagne

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 Grande Sendrée 2008 champagne stems from a group of plots that rest on limestone soils, known as "crayots", that date back to the Kimmeridgian Jurassic age. In 1836, a fire occurred on these lands and destroyed the village of Urville. The name of this wine comes from the mispelling of the word ‘’Cendrée’’ meaning covered in ash, in the cadastre at the time. Presented in a Louis XV shaped bottle, the 2008 Grande Sendrée by the Drappier Champagne House reveals the expression of the grape varieties and the terroirs that are cultivated using organic and sustainable practices.

Vinification and ageing

The 2008 Grande Sendrée Champagne by the House of Drappier is produced from the first press and the juice is vinified by gravity. Part of the wine (35%) is aged in casks. In keeping with the house’s style, this champagne contains a low dosage (5.5 g/litre). Malolactic fermentation. The wine is aged in bottle for 7 years. The added dosage liqueur is subject to a long ageing period in wood for 15 years, making it a unique feature of the house. The dosage is 5.5 g/litre.

The blend

The Grande Sendrée 2008 cuvée by the Drappier Champagne House comprises a blend of Pinot Noir (55%) and Chardonnay (45%).

Grande Sendrée 2008: Characteristics and tasting tips

The tasting

Nose

A complex nose with a rich aromatic bouquet blends notes of hawthorn, honey, acacia, beeswax and almond paste.

Palate

Lively, the palate is seduced by this wine’s softness, its enfolding texture, its notes of red and candied fruits as well as its delicate and persistent minerality.

Food and wine pairing

Ideal as an aperitif, Grande Sendrée 2008 will also pair with fish (poached turbot served with a hollandaise sauce, carpaccio of scallops), meat (Bresse poultry with truffles and cream) and cheese (Comté d'alpage aged for at least 18 months).

Service

For an optimal tasting, serve at 8°C.