NV Drappier Nature Zero Dosage Sans Soufre

Entirely crafted from Pinot Noir with no dosage, the NV Brut Nature Pinot Noir Zero Dosage Andre et Michel Sans Ajout de Souffre reveals a lively, fresh bouquet of red berries, lemon, citrus and herbs. Moderately weighted and tense, it's incisive and pure, with a good core, elegant mousse and an ethereal, menthol-inflected finish.

Made from 100% Pinot Noir, the NV Champagne Sans Souffre Brut Nature comes from the 2019 and 2018 vintages and pours a light straw/copper color. Flinty on opening, with juicy aromas of red cherry, floral peach, and fresh flowers, it’s medium to full-bodied and inviting on the palate, with ripe, pure orchard fruit. It has a supple texture and offers a lively mousse with a touch of pepper spice as well as notes of tangerine citrus through the fresh finish. It lifts cleanly off the palate and is expressive and pure. It doesn’t feel austere, harsh, or feral and is drinking wonderfully now, with great energy. Drink 2024-2034. This will be released in the Fall. Disgorged in July 2023. Drappier is an eighth-generation family house based in the Aube. Although their focus is predominantly on Pinot Noir, they continue to farm the heirloom varietals of Fromenteau, Arbanne, Petit Meslier, and Blanc Vrai. Today they own 62 hectares, of which 7 hectares are entirely farmed with horses and the rest with electric vehicles, and they have contracts with additional growers. In 2005, they began producing their own electricity, and in 2015 they became accredited as carbon neutral. They have also made advancements to reduce their footprint by producing the lighter glass bottles they use today.

100% Pinot Noir. Full malo. Three years on lees.  Pale gold – darker than is typical for youngish champagne. Lovely rich biscuity aroma with a hint of orange. Lightly honeyed fresh apples and more baked apple as it opens. Deep and incredibly fresh but with the body to balance the high acidity. Creamy and long. The zero sulphur seems to have advanced the aroma development but not the palate, which is still tight even though the flavour is full in the mouth. Very good and remarkable for a zero sulphur in its purity. Plenty of power here too. Finely integrated mousse. (JH)