Bérêche et Fils: Grower Champagne Greatness

The nine hectares tended by Raphaël and Vincent Bérêche continue to produce some of the most stunning wine to come out of the grower Champagne movement. Much of this is owed to the family’s savvy craftsmanship with respect to base wine. Barrel fermentation and use of cork (rather than crown cap) for aging after tirage builds toasty layers of textural finesse into every bottle, including the flagship Brut Réserve. Beyond, you will find true terroir expressions in the single vineyard wines. The Aÿ Grand Cru is a testament to the power of Champagne’s top sites, while Les Beaux Regards is a picture of purity coming from old Chardonnay vines in the Ludes Premier Cru.

The Brut Réserve is based around the 2020 vintage with 35% blended from reserve wines. Cepage is 40% Pinot Noir with 30% each Chardonnay and Meunier from Montagne de Reims, Mareuil, and Aÿ. Base wine is fermented in a blend of steel and old barrel, an excellent introduction to Bérêche broad, toasty style.

The Beaux Regards is the only Blanc de Blancs made by Bérêche. 60-year-old Chardonnay vines produce exceptionally fresh base wine aged for 36 months before disgorgement.

Aÿ Grand Cru is the most powerful of the lineup, 65% Pinot Noir with the balance Chardonnay both from old vines, barrel fermented and aged 6 years before disgorgement.