DrappierMillesimeException2012

Champagne Drappier is neither a Grande Marque nor strictly a grower, they have 60 hectares of vineyards in the Aube, the southern area of Champagne around its winery in the village of Urville. It also buys in two thirds of its supply from vineyard owners in the appellation to craft around 1.8 million bottles annually. Drappier’s focus is on sustainability and is Champagne’s first carbon-neutral producer, with an increasing number of its vineyards certified organic, currently 15 ha are certified organic. They are also well known for lower sulphur dioxide additions and low dosage and because of this my suggestion is to enjoy the champagnes at their freshest consume them in the first few years after release.rrThe Millesime Expection is the vintage cuvee of Drappier, created from individual years of exceptional quality.Half of the wines are aged in older oak barrels and it all completes the malolactic fermentation, help to create the soft creamy texture as the vineyard soils are Jurassiic Kimmeridgian limestone another factor helping to encourage the minerality element in the champagne.rrTechnical Information:rVineyards: 100% Premier Cru rGrape Varieties: 60% Pinot Noir, 40% ChardonnayrLees Ageing: 4 years rDosage: 5.5 g/lrDisgorged: Spring 2017rDrink: Now for 3-4 yearsrrTasting Note: A yellow hue with hints of acacia honey, beeswax and marizpan, given time in the glass quince jelly combines with raspberry jam and warm brioche. The strawberry notes on the finish subtlely combine with ripe blood orange.