Drappier Charles De Gaulle Cuvée Champagne NV (France)

Description

Almond, Apple, Dry

Very fine nose of citrus fruits, apple, almond or perhaps nutmeg. When it reaches the palate the Charles de Gaulle Cuve exhibits a remarkable complexity, with an airy mousse and lightly candied notes.

Charles de Gaulle Cuvée is composed of 80% Pinot Noir and 20% Chardonnay.

Only the juices from first pressing the cuves - are used. Mechanical low-pressure presses use gravity to press but avoid pumping, thus avoiding oxidisation. Minimal use of sulphur. Natural settling. Alcoholic fermentation for roughly 2 weeks at low temperature, then total and natural malolactic fermentation. No filtering. Assemblage 100% of the wines are made in vats in order to preserve as much freshness as possible. After bottling, the cuvée is aged for at least 3 years sur lattes (on lasts).

In the 1960s, when he was not at the Elyse Palace or on official business elsewhere, General de Gaulle would reside at his property, the Boiserie in Colombeyles-Deux-glises, situated a few miles from Urville. There he discovered Champagne Drappier and chose a cuve rich in Pinot Noir (80%) which was renamed in homage to him.

Food Pairing: Perfect wine pairing with seasoned shellfish, crayfish, lobster, bbq’d whole fish, chicken kebabs, walnut and pesto pasta and with aged creamy cheeses.