Michel Drappier introduces his father André.

Not only is Champagne Day, October 19th, a day to celebrate by having a bottle of champagne from the Champagne region of France, it is a day to remember our travels in Champagne. Kathy and I were in the Aube sub-region of Champagne and we visited Champagne Drappier in Urville. Michel Drappier visited with us, gave a tour of the caves and discussed the champagne process. Later that evening, we had dinner at our hotel and Kathy and I had the honor to sit next to Michel Drappier. 

Quattuor a champagne blend of Chardonnay, Arbane, Petit Meslier and Formenteau (Pinot Gris)

Michel is very much a family man and is the seventh generation to craft champagnes. While at the winery he introduced his father, André, noting that his father is the champagne house’s best customer. During dinner we talked about our daughters. It turned out that we both had daughters in New York City at the time. Later, we both contacted our daughters and they met at a bar in NYC. It’s a small world at times.

The most notable experience at Champagne Drappier was the opportunity to taste Quattuor. Often, when one thinks of a white grape used to craft a champagne, they think of Chardonnay. However, Chardonnay is not the only white grape that is permitted to be used to make a champagne. Arbane, Petit Meslier, Formenteau (Pinot Gris) are the other white varietal grapes permitted to be in a champagne. Champagne Drappier makes a champagne with a blend of these four white champagne grapes. Striking on the dark green bottle with a black label is the white IV above the label.

The light yellow color champagne had many columns of beads that formed a large mousse on the surface. The wine offered yellow stone fruit on the aroma and taste and had a citrus finish. Champagnes used with these traditional grapes only account for 0.3 percent of the champagne production. This was a special champagne to taste.

On October 19th, the world will celebrate Champagne Day. What special bottle of champagne will you taste?

To find out more about our visit to Champagne Drappier, read our article
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Cheers,
Terry