During a stop for lunch in Reims we tried a Drappier champagne and marvelled at its golden, autumny tint. As we learned further from a local cavist, Champagne Drappier has a special cuvée Charles de Gaulle. Why? Because champagne from the Maison Drappier, only 26 km from De Gaulle's private residence in the quiet village of Colombey-les-Deux-Église, was a favorite of his family.
To honor de Gaulle, who chose Drappier champagne to serve at private receptions in his home,
Drappier created the special cuvée in his name. This champagne is composed of 80 % Pinot Noir grapes and 20 % Chardonnay grapes, and is thus a blanc de noir champagne. Special treatment in handling is given to the Pinot Noir grapes so that in the wine making process pigments from their dark peels do not come into contact with their white flesh, which prevents the champagne from becoming red.
Vocabulary
un cavist: a person in charge of taking care of wine caves; or a wine merchant
une cuvée: a vintage
©2025 P. B. Lecron
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