NV Bérêche et Fils Brut Reserve
Today, we have arrived at EXACTLY 100 Skus of Champagne!!...evidence of our commitment to this wine and the region. Many of these skus are producers making unbelievable Champagne because they are able to stand on the shoulders of giants, like grower-producer Bérêche et Fils.
“If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.”
- Sir Isaac Newton
Although not a large Champagne house, Bérêche is truly a giant in the grower movement and one of its pioneers. If you don’t know the Bérêche brothers story, continue reading below.
The NV Brut Réserve (magnum) is gorgeous. Rich and opulent, the 2019 base captures the natural opulence of the year in its soft curves and engaging personality. Dried pear, crushed flowers, spice and light hazelnut notes. Brut Réserve in magnum is always one of my favorite wines at Bérêche, as it is a hidden gem in the range. Dosage is 5 grams per liter. Disgorged: November 2022.
- Vinous, 93
Disgorged in July 2020 with seven grams per liter dosage, the NV Brut Réserve (2018 base) is the latest rendition of this wine. Bursting with aromas of orange oil, crisp orchard fruit and fresh bread, it's medium to full-bodied, fleshy and gourmand, with tangy acids and an enveloping, pillowy profile.
- Wine Advocate, 92
NV Bérêche et Fils Brut Reserve
STORY
Located in the Montagne de Reims region of Champagne, meticulous attention to detail sets this domaine apart. Raphael is always thinking outside the box and coming up with ways to improve each and every year.
Bérêche has been farming organically since 2003, and there has been a push in recent years into biodynamic farming for all parcels. At only 9 hectares, Bérêche employs 10 full-time workers in the vineyards. He keeps the numbers minimal to ensure the labor intensive work is carried out perfectly. The vines are spread out over a number of different areas with the bulk of the vines being from the chalky soils of their home village (Ludes in Montagne de Reims).
The mountain range near Reims provides a wide range of terroirs which allows for a range of blending possibilities and Bérêche takes full advantage but sites are planted in rather traditional grapes (unlike some of the varietals becoming popular today); equal proportions of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier.
There is no malolactic fermentation that takes place. Raphael explained to me it's not that he blocks the malolactic fermentation, it's the work in the vineyards along with the very cold cellar that does not allow it to happen naturally. This is one of the reasons that the wines are lean, linear, sometimes austere but always bright, terribly fresh and mineral driven. It's a style I enjoy!
The Brut Réserve, a blend of 70% wines from the base year (2020) with the balance of reserve wines from the previous years, composed of the traditional blend we mention above; one-third each of the Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. A model of harmony, nuance and verve, it is a pure expression of the varied terroirs that demonstrates the Bérêche brother’s great skill and originality.
