Drappier : Clarevallis Extra Brut

An exceptional champagne reflecting its terroir

The property

Since its creation in 1808, the Champagne Drappier House, whose vaulted cellars date back to the 12th century, has a history intimately linked to pinot noir, its grape of choice. It was in the 1930s that this grape was replanted on the estate against the general opinion of the community. History proved the House right, whose Drappier 100% pinot noir cuvée, for the anecdote, was General de Gaulle's preference for family meals.

Today, André and Micheline Drappier's children represent the eighth generation to cultivate this exceptional terroir according to organic and natural principles, including forgotten grape varieties: arbane, petit meslier, and blanc vrai.

The vineyard

The vineyard of the Champagne Drappier House extends over 75 hectares of vines. Located south of Reims, the Drappier house's vineyard is shared between the Côte des Bar and its old vines, the Montagne de Reims and its intense pinot noir, as well as the Côte des Blancs and its delicate chardonnay. This vineyard owes its uniqueness to its limestone-rich terroir combined with maximum sunlight. Some of the Drappier House's plots are also worked with the family's draft horse.

Tasting this cuvée is first and foremost understanding its history.

The Clarevallis champagne takes its name from the abbey founded in 1115 by Saint Bernard. This cuvée is made exclusively from grapes from the Urville slope, planted during the Cistercian period and historically vinified and aged in the cellars built in 1152 by the monks of Clairvaux Abbey. To preserve its biodiversity, the limestone terroir dating from the Kimmeridgian Jurassic is farmed organically and partly plowed by horse. This Clarevallis champagne aims to be the optimal expression of the Drappier House's exceptional terroir. The label was designed by Charline Drappier, inspired by the Great Bible of Clairvaux, handwritten in the 12th century.

Vinification and aging

This Clarevallis cuvée from the Champagne Drappier House is unfiltered and dosed at 4g/l with an organic cane sugar liqueur.

Blend

Pinot noir (75%), pinot meunier (10%), chardonnay (10%) and blanc vrai (pinot blanc 5%).

Characteristics and tasting advice for the Clarevallis cuvée from the Drappier House

Tasting

Color
The color is a gray gold. The foam is fine and persistent.

Nose
The unique blend of this cuvée gives it a beautiful minerality mixed with notes of elderberry and violet.

Palate
The palate is balanced, with a nice tension.