Drappier - Champagne Grande Sendrée 2012

Champagne Drappier had its beginnings way back in the 17th century with Remy Drappier born in 1604 who became a clothing merchant in Reims. However, it wasn’t until 1808 when his ancestors made the move to Urville and established the current-day vineyards. The vineyards cover an area of 55 hectares, but Champagne Drappier also has partnerships with other winegrowers in Côte des Bar, the Montagne de Reims and the Côte des Blancs.

Over the years, there have been many transformations in the vineyards to make Champagne Drappier what it is today. In the early 1930s, George Collot, the grandfather of Michel who leads the House today, decided to grow Pinot Noir, which now covers 70% of the family vineyards. The 1957 frost that ravaged the vineyards led to the decision to also grow Pinot Meunier, a variety that can put up a fight against Champagne’s cold weather in the spring. Rare varieties like Petit Meslier, Blanc Vrai and Arbane are also dotted throughout the vineyards, all of which have contributed to Champagne Drappier’s uniqueness. Michel Drappier has been in charge of the House and its winemaking since 1979, and his three children Charline, Hugo and Antoine help with the running of the House, now in its eighth generation. Their two limestone cellars have a lengthy history as well. The oldest ones were built in 1152. The Drappier family later purchased them and started using them after World War II. These cellars in and around Urville are specifically used to store many of their fine vintages and their large-sized bottles. The other cellars in Reims are used to age the House’s exceptional cuvees like the Grande Sendree and the Millesime Exception. 

The vines grow in an extremely rich limestone terroir. Once the grapes are harvested, Champagne Drappier takes the utmost care to produce the most elegant, aromatic wines as naturally as possible. After the grapes arrive at the winery, mechanical low-pressure presses are used to extract the juice. The juice is then handled with great care to avoid oxidation and so the use of gravity is used to avoid pumping. The juice is then settled naturally before it goes through its first fermentation for about two weeks at a low temperature. Malolactic fermentation then follows, which takes place naturally. The entire Drappier family then comes together to complete one of the most important processes, blending their unique cuvees. Champagne Drappier has been one of the biggest champions against the excessive use of sulfur, so prior to bottling, they use the weakest doses. As a result, their wines have more natural colors and more expressive aromas. Interestingly, the liqueur d’expédition that tops up the cuvees is aged in oak casks and then in demijohns for more than ten years. This type of ageing contributes to the concentration and complexity of the wines. Once bottled, the cuvees head into the cool, dark, limestone cellars for at least 30 months of aging.

Grande Sendrée is the name of an archipelago of plots on Kimmeridgian chalk, covered in ash a er the re that ravaged Urville in 1836. In a unique Louis XV bottle, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are revealed at their highest level.

35% of the wines are aged in casks. Very low sulphiring. Bottle aging for 9 years. 4.5g/L (liqueur de dosage matured in wood for 15 years).

“This delightful wine is a benchmark for the Aube. Its exquisite texture boasts a delightfully creamy, dense feel and vibrant energy. The fruit aromas range from ripe pear to apricot and quince, accented by fresh white flowers and a firm mineral note. The grapes come from a single site that has been in the family since the 19th century that is organically farmed and worked by horse. The base wines are fermented in large oak uprights and dosed at 4.5g/L after eight years on the lees.” - 95 Points, Decanter

“In 2012, severe weather conditions posed significant challenges for the Drappier family; hail impacted almost 70% of their village, and frost hit 20% of the La Grande Sendrée plot. This resulted in a limited yield of the 2012 Brut Grande Sendrée, which has a delicate, deep bouquet with aromas of pear, peach, orchard fruit, baked bread and spices. Medium to full-bodied, dense and concentrated, it’s a layered and structured, tension-filled but ethereal Champagne with racy acidity. Although already thoroughly enjoyable, it should age well over the next 10 years. This is a blend of 55% Pinot Noir and 45% Chardonnay, disgorged with 4.9 grams per liter dosage.” - 95 Points, Wine Advocate 

“The 2012 Extra Brut Grande Sendrée is a blend of 55% Pinot Noir and 45% Chardonnay from a single vineyard in Urville which had been covered in ashes following a fire in 1836. Creaminess and oven-warm Viennoiserie combine on the attractive nose of this golden wine. More air reveals a note of blossom honey. The palate is full of 2012's dramatic vigor, full of freshness but showing off sunshine with honeyed impressions and lovely concentration. Depth of flavor and fruit define the palate while freshness frames it all and gives sleek contour. Zesty length and a sense of grilled hazelnut lasts and echoes. Dosage is 4.5gr/L. Disgorged: December, 2022.” - 94 Points, Vinous

Producer: Drappier

Country: France

Region: Champagne

Varietal: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir

Appellation: Champagne

Vintage: 2012

Size: 750ml