In episode 185 of The Drinking Hour podcast, host David Kermode is joined by Michel Drappier of Drappier Champagne. Drappier, who has just completed his 50th harvest, talks through the history of the estate, the changes he has made throughout his tenure and how he is beginning the process of passing the torch to the eighth generation of the family.
The pair start the episode by explaining how the Drappier family went from selling cloth to making Champagne. Drappier provides some insight into his father André’s legacy before talking about his own experiences and sharing more about his children’s roles in the business. Later, Kermode quizzes Drappier on the eight grape varieties within the vineyards, something the duo explore further through the experiments Drappier has undertaken, including use of Arbane and the Voltis grape variety.
Towards the end of the episode, Kermode uncovers some of the more unique elements of Drappier, including its link to Charles De Gaulle and its efforts with sea-aged Champagne. Finally, Kermode and Drappier explore his personal wine legacy and what he is leaving for the next generation, something he expresses as ‘innovation through being conservative’.
Discover more episodes of The Drinking Hour with David Kermode here.
