The Drappier family established their estate in Urville in the Aube department of Champagne-Ardenne in 1808, and it remains family owned, today managed by 7th generation Michel Drappier. The vineyards span over 62 hectares, planted on Kimmeridgian and Jurassic limestone soils, and are managed organically. They also have 50 hectares in contractual arrangements with other growers. Pinot Noir thrives here and represents 70% of the estate. It was Michel's grandfather George Collot who made the decision to replant Pinot Noir vines in the 1930's, earning him the nickname “Père Pinot”. Sceptics sneered but were proved wrong! In addition to growing the classic champagne grapes of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, they also have over 3.5 hectares of the historic heirloom Arbanne, Petit Meslier, Pinot Blanc Vrai, and Fromenteau varieties, which go to make some rare cuvées. Drappier are committed to the environment and in 2016 were the first estate in the area to become certified carbon neutral. They have some of the oldest and extensive cellars in Europe, and in the heart of these limestone galleries lies the “cercle”. This is the name given to the place where the reserve wines languish to mature, notably in rounded oak foudres cerclès. In 2012 an egg-shaped wooden cask arrived to take centre stage here, the first of its kind in Champagne; baptised “Ovum”, the Latin for egg, it holds 3.342 litres of their prestige cuvée Grand Sendrèe. Drappier was the favourite champagne of Charles de Gaulle, and they are renowned as one of the finest boutique producers in Champagne, known for their low dosage and moderate use of sulphites. Their distinct house style - deep in colour with expressive aromas oozes elegance and finesse.