Shanghai, 14 March 2024 – East Meets West Fine Wines (EMW) and Champagne Drappier, a renowned champagne house located in Côte des bar, the southernmost subregion of Champagne, signed an exclusive import and distribution agreement for Greater China. It also refers to a new approach in EMW portfolio, delivering an exciting and refreshing launch to clients throughout Greater China.
The Gallo-Romans planted the first vine in Urville around 2,000 years ago. The vineyard was not re-established until 1116 by Saint Bernard, a monk from Cîteaux Abbey near Clos Vougeot. Everything was owned by the great Clairvaux Abbey.
The Drappier family estate, who still live next to the cellars, was established around the superbly preserved medieval Abbey in 1808, seven centuries later. They bought the cellars after World War II, where the House's largest bottles and finest vintages have been kept to this day.
Today, the eighth generation, represented by Charline, Hugo and Antoine, has joined the house which remains proud of its independence.
The vineyard is the pride of Champagne Drappier which serves as a kind of family archives preserving their heritage. A significant portion of the late Jurassic Kimmeridgian limestone can be found in Urville's soil. Dense in fossilized marine micro-organisms, this terroir gives rise to wines both tight and racy, typical of Champagne Drappier.
Today, the Drappier vineyard spans over 70 hectares, entirely certified organic, alongside 50 hectares in contract association. Mainly located in the village of Urville, it upholds the distinctive character of the Côte des Bar, defined by the influence of Pinot Noir that "runs in our veins", and they manage it according to organic and natural practices.
This grape represents 70% of the estate, supplemented by Pinot Meunier at 15%, Chardonnay at 9%, together with Blanc Vrai (Pinot Blanc), Petit Meslier, Arbane and Fromenteau (Pinot Gris). The estate can thus boast its cultivation of all 7 authorized grape varieties in Champagne.
Champagne Drappier is made exclusively from first pressing. The estate honors the grapes' natural provenance, the character of each varietal, the essence of each terroir, and occasionally even the whisper of each individual climat: no discolouring or filtering is carried out with minimal intervention.
They vehemently resist sulfur overload: Michel & Hugo reduce sulfur levels by between 30mg to 45mg of sulfur per litre, or by less than a quarter of the permitted amount. Their champagnes, therefore, have a more natural, deep gold or even copper colour, and more expressive aromas.
They do not focus on keeping the wine the same each vintage. Instead, their aim is to maximize the potential of every wine during its production process.
"Priority is wine, its loyalty to our terroir, its depth and elegance. The entire estate, 70 hectares, is farmed organically (certified by ECOCERT). We are also concerned by climate change. This is what lead us to become a carbon neutral champagne house (certified by ECOACT)." --- Michel Drappier, 7th generation of Champagne Drappier
Drappier Champagne's whole vineyard has been certified organic. They do not use pesticides in their mild agricultural practices, which include manual weeding (with a hoe), partial grass coverage, horse-drawn ploughing, and fallow ground. The estate thus promotes both biodiversity and healthy grape development.
To reduce glasshouse effect gas, Drappier Champagne also uses free cooling of the cellars, introduction of electric cars and tractors, no more fossil energy (fuel), self-production of electricity (75% photovoltaic), and low-carbon bottles (80% recycled glass).
Antoine Drappier's horse Ida helps plough organically-grown plots to reduce carbon footprints and prevent soil erosion.
Olivier Six, CEO, EMW Fine Wines
"We are thrilled to welcome Champagne Drappier as a new addition to our Champagne portfolio. Champagne Drappier has long been an excellent name and a symbol of exquisite Champagnes in the marketplace due to its pursuit of flawlessness in quality, adherence to the natural wine-making philosophy, and commitment to environmental responsibility. EMW will partner with Champagne Drappier to explore new opportunities in Greater China, providing more excellent prospects for our consumers. Beginning in May, we will launch many promotional events. Stay tuned to the forthcoming gorgeous bubble tour!"
Charline Drappier, 8th Generation, Champagne Drappier
"We are delighted to announce that East Meets West will be representing our range of Champagnes in Greater China. EMW's quest for uniqueness & authenticity echoes with our family spirit: the team takes to heart to present the value and identity of Champagne Drappier. Expert and passionate with wines, EMW has built a strong and trustful relationship with wine lovers and on-trade communities, thanks to its sincere approach and high expectations from its growers. A launch tour in China will seal the collaboration between EMW and Champagne Drappier, in May 2024. Cheers to this wonderful partnership!"
Champagne Drappier Carte d'Or Brut (375ml, 750ml, 1.5L, 3L & 6L)
Champagne Drappier Brut Nature Zero Dosage
Champagne Drappier Brut Nature Zero Dosage Sans Ajout de Soufre
Champagne Drappier Rose de Saignee Brut
Champagne Drappier Blanc de Blancs Brut
Champagne Drappier Cuvée Charles de Gaulle Brut (available in Hong Kong & Macau)
Champagne Drappier Quattuor Blanc de Quatre Blancs - Extra Brut
Champagne Drappier Clarevallis - Extra Brut
Champagne Drappier Millesime Exception
Champagne Drappier Grande Sendree 2012 Millesime Brut Single-Parcel
Champagne Drappier Grande Sendree Rose Millesime Brut Single-Parcel
Champagne Drappier Reserve de L'Oenotheque Brut 2002
Champagne Drappier Oenotheque Brut 2004
Champagne Drappier Coteaux Champenois Urville Rouge (available in Hong Kong & Macau)
EMW is a leading importer, distributor, and brand builder in the Greater China market, working closely with more than 110 family-owned and premium wine estates, sake breweries, and craft spirit producers from 16 countries worldwide. EMW has an unequaled distribution network to top restaurants, hotels, wine shops, online VIP customers, and an exclusive network of distribution covering over 160 cities in China. EMW has been awarded "Best Wine Importer" for 12 consecutive years since 2011 by China Sommeliers Wine Challenge, WINE100 Challenge and Golden Prestige Awards.
Dee ZHANG Brand Manager, Greater China
E-mail: dee.zhang@emw-wines.com
Juanita YU Marketing Director, Greater China
Tel: +86 (21) 6282 4966/8020
E-mail: juanita.yu@emw-wines.com
Shanghai Office Address: Unit 202, No.664 Xinhua Road, Changning District, Shanghai
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