Review: Drappier NV Brut Carte Blanche
- vinterest
- Jul 3, 2015
- 2 min read
The low-down: Champagne needs no introduction! This number is a blend of 45% pinot meunier, 35% chardonnay and 25% pinot noir. It's a low dosage, drier champagne, blended exclusively from the first pressing.
Like most in the region, the domaine traces its heritage back to the Cistercian monks. A set of beautiful vaulted cellars was built in the twelfth century. The Drappier family, now in its eighth generation, trace their roots back to Remy Drappier, a cloth merchant based in Reims. Drappier has 53 ha under vine and also purchases grapes from another dozen growers (total 50 ha) across Champagne (like the Besserat de Bellefon NV we opened last year).
In the 1930s the family were one of the first to plant pinot noir in the region, back when it wasn't so popular, and Georges Collot, maternal grandfather of Michel, the present head of the family, was mocked as "Father Pinot". Today, the varietal is grown in 70% of Drappier’s vineyards and almost three quarters of grape production in the local area.
We picked this up retailing in France for 23 Euros - good value for a quality producer.
The take: The appearance is very light and transparent, some bubbles. A perfumed, floral nose, with a hint of chalk. The attack is light, with a hint of juicy acidity. Sherbet/kale on the palate, like the Lanson Brut Rose NV we had earlier in the year. The finish is dry, with a hint of kiwi fruit.
In closing: Restrained, little flavour, no distractions!
Rating: 7.5 out of 10.
Fact corner:
Country: France
Region: Champagne (AOC)
Producer: Drappier
Vintage: NV
Grape: Pinot noir, pinot meunier, chardonnay
Alcohol content: 12.0%
Serving temperature: n/a
Price range: Mid range
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