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HARVESTING AT CHAMPAGNE<br />
DE SAINT-GALL<br />
labels, we don’t have any specific restrictions, aside from impeccable<br />
traceability”, adds Jacopin. “Investments promote small-batch winemaking<br />
using beautiful fruit from vines that show real site- expressiveness”.<br />
CHAMPAGNE DRAPPIER:<br />
NATURAL AUTHENTIC<strong>IT</strong>Y<br />
The Drappier family has been driven by a passion for excellence for<br />
over two centuries. Founded in 1808, this family-run property covers 62<br />
hectares of owned vineyards and 50 under contract. Since 1979, it has been<br />
managed by Michel Drappier. Emphasis is placed on very low dosage and<br />
moderate usage of sulphites – the Brut Nature Sans Soufre is the culmination<br />
of this policy as are the unique labels that account for 50% of releases.<br />
“The alchemy is all about revealing the uniqueness of the terroir by overstating<br />
the character of the wine with little or no sulphur and dosage so<br />
that it can express itself”, explains Michel Drappier. “This requires more<br />
work in the winery and in the vineyard, with a choice of grape varieties<br />
that are more challenging to manage and use of manual techniques that<br />
are certified organic”. This production method reveals remarkable site-expressiveness<br />
which is often more difficult to grasp in a non-vintage Brut<br />
Champagne. “We are witnessing renewed appeal and demand for unique<br />
labels at the moment”, adds Drappier. “We haven’t adjusted our wines to<br />
suit individual markets for a long time – sweeter offerings for Eastern<br />
26 WINTER 2023 • GILBERT & GAILLARD - THE FRENCH EXPERTS ON WINE
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