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André Drappier, the sixth generation at the helm of the Drappier Champagne house, passed away at the age of 99. Until his death on Wednesday, he had a keen interest in the vineyards and regularly had lunch with his family. The 2024 vintage was his 77th harvest.
Drappier took over the family business in 1952. After the frost disaster in 1957, which destroyed 95 percent of the harvest, he introduced the Pinot Meunier grape variety, which is more resilient to spring frosts. Furthermore, Drappier introduced the cuvée "Carte d’Or," which is still recognizable today by its distinctive yellow label. In 1968, he, along with his wife Micheline, made the first rosé champagne exclusively from Pinot Noir, the "Rosé de Saignée." The 1975 vintage produced the first cuvée "La Grande Sendrée." The grapes for this champagne come from parcels in the area "Cendrée." It is named after an old forest that burned down in 1836. The ashes from this fire had eradicated pests in the region and enriched the soil, making the area excellent for viticulture. Drappier was also the favorite champagne of President Charles de Gaulle. The house named the vintage champagne "Cuvée Collection" after him.
In 1979, André handed over the management of Drappier to his son Michel and his wife Sylvie. Since 2016, the eighth generation has been working in the champagne house with daughter Charlene and sons Hugo and Antoine (picture from left: Hugo, Michel, and André). Drappier is repeatedly noted for innovations such as still wines or the ultra-traditional champagne "Trop M'en Faut".
(al / Source: drinksbusiness)