Drappier Carte d’Or

Every once in a while you come across something, be it a bottle of champagne, a particularly well tailored dress (or shirt), a carbonara cooked to perfection, whatever tickles your fancy, you come across something so well done, so marvellous that it leaves you a little incredulous…. this is exactly what Drappier Carte d’Or did to me.

Now this is not by any means the most flashy or well known champagne, I had never even heard of it before I picked up a bottle on a solo trip for my 27th birthday in Paris. I’m hustling through a quaint champagne shop around Champs-Élysées, trying to decide on a bottle to take home to add to my ever growing champagne collection, skimming through the Veuve’s and Dom Perignons (all the classics) I was determined to get something I wouldn’t usually fawn over. There it was in a simple white box with a bright yellow label staring at me. It truly didn’t look like much, but as you know, I’m a fan of an underdog!

A few weeks later and back in the UK, I decide I’ve found the perfect time to crack open this Drappier. Alongside some well needed alone time in a rose petal bubble bath and a bowl of sushi.

Here are some stats about the bottle:
– £41.50 + Shipping
– Round and full bodied
– Fine notes of red fruits

Appearance:

• Color: Drappier Carte d’Or has a golden-yellow color with warm amber highlights, reflecting its maturity.
• Bubbles: The bubbles are fine and consistent.

Aroma:

• Primary Aromas: The Drappier Carte d’Or is aromatic and complex, with pronounced fruit notes. I noticed hints of fruits like peach, apricot, and yellow plum, giving it a luscious, fruity character. There are also hints of red fruits such as raspberry and cherry, which are typical of the high Pinot Noir content.

Palate (Taste):

• Acidity: The Champagne has a balanced acidity, which provides freshness and structure without overwhelming the fruit flavours.
• Flavour Profile: On the palate, Drappier Carte d’Or is rich and full-bodied, mirroring the fruity aromas with flavours of ripe apricot, peach, and red apple. There are also subtle hints of citrus zest, which add a refreshing note to the rich fruitiness. The Pinot Noir’s presence brings depth and a slight hint of red berry flavours, contributing to its complexity.
• Texture: The texture is smooth and round, with a creamy mouthfeel that comes from the extended aging process. This aging process also imparts a gentle hint of toasty, brioche-like flavours that balance the fruitiness.
• Finish: The finish is long and elegant, with lingering notes of peach and apricot. There is a subtle hint of spice on the finish, which gives it a beautiful after taste.

Overall Impression:

It’s no secret that this is probably my favourite bottle of all time. Drappier Carte d’Or is a versatile and well-structured champagne, it has depth and is ridiculously crisp. Its bold flavours, creamy texture, and long finish make it a great choice for pairing with a wide range of foods, I paired with a bowl of fresh salmon sushi and it gloriously complemented the flavours, I imagine it would work well with most fresh seafood dishes. However, it would also be delightful on its own as an aperitif as it definitely stimulates the palate. This bottle is so good I don’t even have the words and also has a deep sentimental hold on me, for that I would give this bottle a 10/10. It is absolutely a must try for any champagne enjoyer. If you’re new to champagne I would also recommend this is as an entry point (beware it may ruin other champagnes for you), as It is quite affordable (at around £50 depending on where you buy) and fairly easy to acquire!

As always, if you decide to try this bottle please let me know your thoughts! All my love and good energy.

– E