Drappier Carte d’ Or Brut Non-Vintage

Country of Origin: Urville, France

Background: Just mention the word Champagne and my eyes begin to sparkle and look for that wonderful person who is about to offer me a glass of this decadent beverage! The thought of Champagne conjures up a celebration, whether it’s a birthday, the launching of a new ship or a wedding. However I believe everyday is a celebration and what better way than to toast the occasion with a glass of the good stuff!

Of course if we were to indulge in a frequent glass or two of French bubbly we would have to look for a good example but at a fair price! One such bubbly is the non-vintage Brut by the House of Drappier, named Carte d’ Or. Launched in 1952 by Andre and Micheline Drappier, it has a distinctive yellow label which is still used today.  The House of Drappier is located in the town of Urville in the region of Champagne with their first vines being planted back in 1808. Today Drappier is managed and owned by Michel Drappier who with his lifetime experience of harvests behind him keeps a watchful eye over the properties 53 hectares of vines and a further 40 hectares in contractual arrangements with other growers.

Result: The Carte d’ Or is a blend of the three traditional Champagne grapes namely Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier.  Coppery gold in colour the wine offers aromas of white peach with subtle hints of spice. With the first sip the exhilarating mousse delights the senses and as they gently disappear allows the delicious complexity of ripe peach and apricot flavour to carry through the natural freshness on the lengthy finish.

When to drink: now till 2020

Expect to pay: R559.00 (750ml) and R358.00 (375ml)