Drappier : Brut Nature Rosé "Les Riceys"

The precision and vivacity of a Brut Nature Rosé champagne

The estate

Since its creation in 1808, the Champagne Drappier House has a history intimately linked to pinot noir, its grape of choice. It was in the 1930s that against the general opinion of the community, this grape variety was replanted on the estate. History proved the house right, whose Drappier 100% pinot noir cuvée, for the anecdote, was General de Gaulle's preference for his family meals.

Today, the children of André and Micheline Drappier represent the eighth generation to cultivate this exceptional vineyard in organic and biodynamic viticulture, honoring forgotten grape varieties such as Arbane, Petit Meslier and Blanc Vrai.

The vineyard

Located south of Reims, the vineyard of the Champagne Drappier House extends over 75 hectares of vines, distributed between the Côte des Bar and its old vines, the Montagne de Reims and its intense pinot noir as well as the Côte des Blancs and its finely crafted chardonnay. This vineyard owes its uniqueness to its limestone-rich terroir combined with maximum sunshine. Some of the Drappier House's plots are also worked with draft horses.

The cuvée

This Brut Nature Rosé "Les Riceys" comes from south-facing limestone plots, within the eponymous commune that has mastered a specific whole-bunch maceration for centuries, giving the pinot noir an intense color and a high aromatic concentration. This know-how gave birth to the AOC Rosé des Riceys. The Drappier House offers a new parcel expression of this terroir with its Brut Nature Rosé, combining the tradition of "bleeding" and vinifications without dosage.

Vinification and aging

Carbonic maceration in whole bunches for 48 hours before pressing. Wine exclusively from the first press, with 20% coming from a perpetual reserve of rosé. Low sulfur content (35 mg/l). This rosé champagne undergoes a 6-month aging, half in stainless steel tanks, half in oak barrels, followed by 30 months on slats in bottles.

Characteristics and tasting advice for the Brut Nature Rosé "Les Riceys" from the Drappier House

Tasting

Broad and intense attack on candied cherry and violet syrup, followed by a fresh finish with notes of white grapefruit and lavender.

Service

For optimal tasting, serve at 7°C.

Food and wine pairings

A tomato salad, strawberries and burrata, a veal saltimbocca with sage and grilled polenta or a confit leg of lamb are delicate pairings with this cuvée.