Drappier Cuvée Charles de Gaulle NV 750ml

Drappier Cuvée Charles de Gaulle NV is a Brut Champagne without a vintage, made by the Drappier family in Urville, Côte des Bar. The blend is four parts Pinot Noir to one part Chardonnay, made in homage to Charles de Gaulle, who chose Drappier for his private receptions.

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De Gaulle lived at Colombey-les-Deux-Églises, a short drive from Urville, and served Drappier to guests there, praising it as an aromatic, authentic Champagne. The family has farmed at Urville since 1808, on limestone slopes in the Aube dominated by Pinot Noir. In the cellar Drappier keeps intervention low: only first-pressing juice, moved by gravity to avoid oxidation, vat fermentation for freshness, a two-week malolactic fermentation, no filtration and very little sulphur. The wine then ages at least three years in bottle before release.

Being mostly Pinot Noir, it is fuller and fruitier than a Chardonnay-led Champagne, with the structure for a meal. It makes a thoughtful gift for a history buff and a dependable dinner Champagne for Pinot Noir fans.

Drappier describes it as:

Nose: fine citrus, apple and almond, with perhaps a little nutmeg.

Palate: layered, with a light, airy bubble and a touch of candied fruit.

Pour it at around 7°C into tulip glasses, before dinner or with it. Drappier’s own matches are pheasant with a foie gras stuffing, guinea fowl over green leaves, or ripe Brie de Meaux. Roast chicken and mushroom dishes also suit its Pinot Noir depth. As a non-vintage Brut it is ready to drink now; keep it cool and enjoy it within a few years.