CHAMPAGNE DRAPPIER

After climbing a few steps, a 19th century brick and timber building, with large bay windows, instils calm. Close by, in a salon with a beautiful fireplace and superb wood detailing, sits a Melchizedec, containing 30 litres, the largest Champagne bottle in the world. In the basement of what used to be the presbytery of Urville, there are some marvellous wine cellars, built in 1152 by the Cistercian monks of Clairvaux. There, ageing gently, are the cuvées speciales as well as the company’s great pride : giant bottles whose names evoke the great kings (Balthazar, Nabuchodonosor, Salomon, Melchizedec…). The Drappier family have been cultivating their vineyard at Urville for two centuries.

Michel, the current impassioned and passionate House director, knows everything about all the vinifications since 1979. Whereas Andre, the venerable patriarch, with his 60-harvest experience, keeps a knowledgeable eye on the production, he has a malicious charm and a solid sense of humour. Known the world over, the magnificent Drappier Champagnes have seduced a number of very prestigious personalities such as General de Gaulle, Luciano Pavarotti or Jean-Paul Belmondo. But in this great House, it is the kindness and hard work that have remained the ultimate values.

A desire to travel

This case, which combines all the ingredients of an original and tasty gift, proposes a gustative trip across 3 continents.

Michel Drappier has matched three renowned chefs who exercise their talent in Europe, Asia and America to enhance the flavours of the Grande Sendrée champagne with subtly spiced recipes. In addition to the Grande Sendrée 2004, the case contains three Limoges porcelain pots, each of which holds a sachet of spices (liquorice, coriander and annatto) plus a booklet describing the three recipes that will be a welcome addition to your holiday tables.

The recipes are signed by Alain Passard (Arpège in Paris), Kiyomi Mikuni (Mikuni Hotel in Tokyo) and Claude Troisgros (Olympe in Rio de Janeiro).
Retail price: €120 incl. VAT

Tasting – sales from Monday to Saturday 8 a.m. – 12 p.m., and 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. To visit, simply telephone.
English and German spoken.
The Range of wines : Champagne, Cuvée Charles De Gaulle, Champagne Brut de brut, Champagne Brut nature (no sulphur), Quatuor (4 grape varieties), Ratafia.
Partner to the “Initiation of Champagne tasting” operation.