Drappier Brut Nature Zéro Dosage NV

For one of Champagnes most forward-thinking producers, Drappier has no shortage of historic roots. An eighth-generation family business, the house was founded in 1808, and occupies magnificent twelfth-century cellars built by Cistercian monks.

Having spearheaded the revival of Pinot Noir in the region, in the 1930s, Drappier continues to innovate. Extremely low levels of sulphur are used, and there is even a no-added-sulphur cuve made; the liqueur dexpdition is matured for over fifteen years in oak and demi-johns; and Drappier is the only house to ferment every format, from half-bottles up to the gigantic 30-litre Melchisedech, in the bottle in which it is sold.

Over half of Drappiers production comes from the familys own vineyards near their base in Urville. Viticulture is close to organic, with horse-drawn ploughing, cover crops and natural fertiliser used.

Only the juice from the first pressing was used for this Champagne. After a natural settling, the alcoholic fermentation took place over two weeks at a low temperature, followed by complete, natural malolactic fermentation. The wine was bottled without filtration, and spent at least thirty months on lees before disgorgement. Minimal sulphur was used during the production, and there is zero dosage.

The Drappier Brut Nature Zero Dosage is a blanc de noirs of compelling purity. This Non Vintage Brut is elegant and bone dry, with delicate mineral and lemon notes filled out by richer flavours of pear and white peach.