Although the vines in Urville were originally planted by the Romans 2000 years ago, it was Saint Bernard, founder of Clairvaux Abbey, who had the cellars built in 1152. Once occupied by Cistercian monks from Clairvaux Abbey, the Drappier Family has its roots in the 17th century, with the birth in 1604 of Rémy Drappier. Since 1808, their family had selected parcels of land which are particularly well exposed and extremely rich in limestone. Today, the Drappier vineyard is headed by Michel Drappier and covers 100 hectares. For the most part they are located around Urville, where Pinot Noir is their predominant grape variety. Georges Collot, the maternal grandfather of Michel, was the first to decide to plant Pinot Noir in the region. However, they also cultivate forgotten, but unforgettable grape varieties including Arbane, Petit Meslier and Blanc Vrai.
The Drappier Family
In 1952, André and Micheline Drappier launched the Carte d’Orcuvée with its distinctive yellow label. This reminds one of quince jelly, a yellow fruit of which several aromatic notes are found in every bottle. After the historic frost of 1957 (95% of the potential yield destroyed), André introduces Pinot Meunier, more resistant to icy spring weather. Even so, it is a 100% Pinot Noir Drappier cuvée which captivated General de Gaulle’s attention at Colombey-les-deux-Églises. In 1968 Micheline has the idea of introducing a rosé Champagne. It too will be 100% Pinot Noir and in a clear glass bottle, a feminine touch, which is still very rare at this time. Forty years later the Drappier Rosé has enjoyed true success, taking it to the Elysée Palace.
