The Drappier family has been cultivating vines for over eight generations, making their house one of the most prestigious in Champagne. They played a pivotal role in introducing the noble Pinot Noir grape to the region and are also pioneers in reducing sulfur content in Champagne—no other producer uses as little sulfur as Drappier. Based in Urville, the estate practices organic viticulture and boasts some of the oldest and largest wine cellars in Europe.
The Drappier Style
Authenticity and Purity at the Forefront
Drappier’s Brut Champagnes can be seen as the antithesis of overly polished elegance. Here, authenticity and natural expression are prioritized over exaggerated sophistication. This philosophy brings out the terroir’s full character and the precision of the winemaking process. It’s reflected in the extremely low dosage of the cuvées and minimal use of sulfur. The Cuvée Brut Nature Sans Soufre exemplifies this nature-focused approach.
Recognizing Drappier Champagne in the Glass
Pure Terroir Expression
Drappier’s motto is maximum terroir expression—without artifice or makeup. Thanks to the lowest sulfur levels in the industry, their Champagnes reveal naturally radiant colors—ranging from golden hues to shimmering copper tones.
Exceptional Effervescence
Drappier is also known for the quality of its mousse. Due to the low dosage, foam formation occurs slowly at low temperatures, resulting in fine and subtle bubbles. The family-run house is the only Champagne producer to still perform riddling and disgorging individually in the original bottle.
Complexity, purity, vinosity, and finesse on the palate are enhanced by the quality of their dosage liqueur. After aging in oak barrels and balloon-shaped bottles, it is matured for over 15 years before being added in minimal amounts to the final blend.
The Grape Varieties
Pinot Noir: The DNA of Drappier Champagne
In the early 1930s, Georges Collot, grandfather of Michel Drappier, took the bold step of planting Pinot Noir—then an underrated grape in the region. Today, Pinot Noir accounts for 70% of the family’s vineyards and is the star grape behind the Drappier style.
The devastating frost of 1957, which ravaged the vineyards, led to the decision to plant Pinot Meunier—a variety that fares better in Champagne's spring chills.
Rare Grape Varieties
Drappier also cultivates rare varieties like Petit Meslier, Blanc Vrai, and Arbane, contributing to the unique identity of their cuvées.
The Drappier Portfolio
Carte d'Or
Launched in 1952, the iconic cuvée Carte d'Or with its unmistakable yellow label is the flagship of the house. The blend consists of 80% Pinot Noir. Ideal as an aperitif, it pairs beautifully with white meat, firm fish, or Chaource cheese.
Drappier Rosé Champagnes
Brut Rosé
This standout cuvée is made using the Saignée method and crafted entirely from Pinot Noir. First released in 1968 in a clear glass bottle, it has even made its way to the Élysée Palace.
Grande Sendrée Rosé
A vintage rosé Champagne with Pinot Noir as the dominant variety, complemented by a touch of Chardonnay.
Vintage Champagnes
Drappier also produces Millésime Exception vintage Champagnes, made from a blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Notable vintages include:
Millésime Exception 2006
Millésime Exception 2008
Millésime Exception 2012
Blanc de Blancs
No portfolio is complete without a Blanc de Blancs Champagne. Among the rarest is the Drappier Quattuor Blanc de Quatre Blancs, a blend of:
25% Arbanne
25% Petit Meslier
25% Blanc Vrai
25% Chardonnay
A Tribute to Charles de Gaulle
An especially notable cuvée is the Charles de Gaulle, named after one of the house’s most prestigious clients. The former president selected Drappier Champagne for his private receptions in Colombey-les-Deux-Églises, near Urville, where he resided when not at the Élysée Palace.
From Magnum to Melchizedek
In addition to the ultra-rare Melchizedek (30 liters)—the largest Champagne bottle in the world—Drappier is the only house to offer Primat (27 liters) bottles. Their prestigious sparkling wines are also available in:
Magnum (1.5L)
Jeroboam (3L)
Methuselah (6L)
Balthazar (12L)
Nebuchadnezzar (15L)
Salomon (18L)
For more details, see our dedicated page on Champagne bottle formats.
