Champagne Drappier - Brut Nature Pinot noir zéro dosage

Based in Urville, in the heart of the Côte des Bar since 1808, the Drappier family—led by Michel and joined by his children—owns 55 hectares of vineyards and manages an additional 50 hectares under contract. The wines, produced primarily on soils dating back to the Kimmeridgian stage of the Jurassic period, showcase the classic Champagne grape varieties. While Pinot Noir reigns supreme, the estate also cultivates Petit Meslier, Blanc Vrai, and Arbanne. Committed to respecting the environment and the identity of the grape varieties, Michel Drappier crafts meticulous, precise, and authentic blends. A pioneer in the production of “brut nature” wines through sustainable viticulture, he carefully crafts his dosage liqueur for his other cuvées.

A renowned Aube-based winery founded in 1808. Its current owner, Michel Drappier—joined by his children Charline, Hugo, and Antoine—manages a 62-hectare vineyard, planted primarily with Pinot Noir (one-third of which is organic), near Bar-sur-Aube, but he also sources grapes from other regions through local winemakers. In the cellar, sulfur dioxide levels and dosage are kept to a minimum. The prestige wines, particularly the large-format bottles, age in the venerable cellars dug in 1152 by the monks of the nearby Abbey of Clairvaux, while the others rest in Reims in cellars housed in former chalk quarries.

Beneath a barely tinted robe lies a delicate bouquet that offers a lovely tenderness with aromas of stone fruit, crushed raspberries, and Gariguette strawberries. The palate is a delightful feast of fruit. It’s round without being opulent, with freshness leading into a slightly salty finish that leaves you wanting more.

The Drappier family dates back to the 17th century. Once occupied by the Cistercian monks of Clairvaux, the estate’s headquarters features 12th-century vaulted cellars. Following in his father’s footsteps, Michel Drappier has overseen winemaking since 1979. The family owns a large vineyard in Urville (one-third of which is organically farmed), supplemented by grapes sourced from the Montagne de Reims, Bouzy, and Ambonnay. The Chardonnays come from the Aube region and Cramant. Drappier champagnes are vibrant, with generous aromas, and express their earthy, vinous character on the palate. Here, one finds a frank and unvarnished expression of terroir, vinified with minimal sulfur.

A Blanc de Noir with no dosage. The nose offers a bold array of aromas of cherry, blackcurrant, and blueberry—very fresh and direct. The palate is assertive and deep from the first sip, with lovely fullness; the phenolic compounds are clearly present, and the dry style works well here. Enjoy now or cell it for two to three years.