Champagne Drappier, a venerable house situated in Urville within the Aube region, is renowned for its pioneering approach to sustainable viticulture and a distinctive house style often characterised by a high proportion of Pinot Noir. The Clarevallis cuvée represents a profound commitment to expressing the purest essence of their terroir through organic farming and minimal intervention winemaking.
Named in homage to the nearby Clairvaux Abbey, this non-vintage Brut Nature Champagne is crafted from organically grown grapes, predominantly Pinot Noir, complemented by Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier. The vinification process eschews chaptalisation and employs extremely low sulphur levels, culminating in a zero-dosage bottling. This meticulous approach allows the inherent minerality and fruit purity of the Aube's Kimmeridgian soils to shine through, offering an unadulterated and authentic Champagne experience.
Tasting notes
The Drappier Clarevallis NV presents a luminous pale gold hue with a persistent, fine mousse. The bouquet is precise and invigorating, revealing nuanced aromas of crisp green apple, lemon zest, and white flowers, underpinned by a distinct chalky minerality. Subtle hints of red berries, characteristic of Pinot Noir from the Aube, emerge with aeration.
On the palate, it is remarkably pure and linear, with a vibrant acidity that drives a sensation of freshness and clarity. Flavours of tart citrus, orchard fruit, and wet stone dominate, leading to a remarkably dry, clean finish. The absence of dosage accentuates its inherent structure and terroir expression, culminating in a long, saline persistence that speaks to its authentic origins.