Why it matters
The producer
Raphaël Bérêche leads winemaking and Vincent Bérêche leads viticulture; they represent the fifth generation of the family enterprise. Wild fermentation with ambient yeast is standard. Approximately 75% of the wines are vinified in 350-litre barrels. The top wines are aged under natural cork instead of crown caps for additional aromatic complexity.
Place and vineyards
Where the wines begin
The estate spans 11 hectares across multiple Champagne regions, including Ludes, Ormes, Mareuil-le-Port, Mailly, Cramant, Ambonnay, Aÿ and Trépail. Over 20 separate parcels are managed, and the vines average approximately 40 years old. The parcel spread brings several Champagne regions into one range.
In October 2013, the family changed from RM, the grower designation, to NM, the designation that permits bought-in grapes, so Brut Réserve could use grapes from three trusted organic growers. Village and single-vineyard cuvées remain 100% estate.
Wines to know
The range in view
Bérêche et Fils Brut Réserve is a balanced blend of approximately one-third Chardonnay, one-third Pinot Noir and one-third Pinot Meunier. Seventy percent comes from the base year and 30% from reserve wines from previous vintages. The cuvée has dense, clear-cut fruit, good texture and a winey palate. Dosage is 5 to 5.5 g/l, with the low addition preserving the wine's intrinsic character.
The range also includes village and single-vineyard cuvées. A village cuvée names the village on the label; a single-vineyard cuvée names one parcel.