Drappier : Clarevallis Extra Brut

An exceptional champagne in the image of its terroir

The producer

Since its creation in 1808, the Drappier Champagne House, whose vaulted cellars date back to the 12th century, enjoys a history that is closely linked to Pinot Noir, its favourite grape variety. Indeed, in the the 1930s and against the general opinion of the village, this grape variety was replanted on the estate. History proved the House right, and the 100% Pinot Noir Drappier cuvée was General de Gaulle’s favourite champagne to relish during family get-togethers.

Today, the children of André and Micheline Drappier represent the eighth generation to care for this exceptional organic and biodynamic vineyard who honour long-forgotten grape varieties such as Arbane, Petit Meslier and Blanc Vrai.

The vineyard

The vineyard of the Drappier Champagne House spreads across 100 hectares of vines. Located to the south of Reims, the vineyard of the Drappier House is divided between its old vines in the Côte des Bar, its intense Pinot Noir grapes in the Montagne de Reims along with the very fine Chardonnay grapes in the Côte des Blancs. This vineyard is distinctive due to limestone-rich terroir combined with maximum sunshine. Some of the Drappier House’s plots are also worked with draught horses.

The vintage

Relishing this champagne and understanding its history.

Clarevallis champagne derives its name from the abbey founded in 1115 by Saint Bernard. This cuvée is made exclusively from grapes from the Urville hillside, planted in the Cistercian era and historically vinified and aged in the cellars built in 1152 by the monks of Clairvaux Abbey. In order to preserve its biodiversity, the limestone terroir dating from the Kimmeridgian Jurassic age is cultivated using organic practices and is partly ploughed with draught horses. This Clarevallis champagne is the optimal expression of the exceptional terroir of the Drappier House. The label was designed by Charline Drappier, inspired by the Great Bible of Clairvaux, written in the 12th century.

Vinification and ageing

This Clarevallis cuvée by the Drappier Champagne House is unfiltered and contains a 4g/l dosage with an organic cane sugar liqueur.

The blend

Drappier's Clarevallis champagne comprises a blend of Pinot Noir (75%), Pinot Meunier (10%), Chardonnay (10%) and Blanc Vrai (Pinot Blanc 5%).

Clarevallis Extra Brut by Drappier: Characteristics and tasting tips

The tasting

Colour

The wine has a golden grey colour. 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.