ELEVAGE® Bereche et Fils Brut Reserve Vieilles Vignes NV (Champagne, France) – [VM 93] [WA 92] [JD 92] – 6058404774047

About this wine:
The famed Champagne House Bérêche et Fils was founded in 1847 and like most Grower Champagne, it was virtually unheard of until recently. The innovative work of brothers Raphael and Vincent Bérêche has made this one of the most talked about Champagne houses among France’s sommeliers, cavistes and connoisseurs. With lavish praise from Peter Liem and Antonio Galloni, the same is beginning to happen the United States.

Notes from the Winemaker:
This wine is produced from 3 different grape varieties, 1/3 of each. The strongest identities of each terroir are only selected to get a very balanced blending. The cold flexibility of the Pinot Meunier from the Vallée de la Marne combined with the mineral precision from the terroir of Ludes and the Pinots from sandy-limestone terroirs from Ormes give complexity, richness and length to this cuvée. The 30% of reserve wines (perpetual blending system) ensure the style and the wine’s maturation process while respecting the base year.

This wine is a blend of 70% wines from the base year with the balance reserve wines, composed from approximately one-third each of the three major varieties. A model of harmony, nuance and verve, it is a pure expression of the domaine’s varied terroirs that demonstrates both the Bérêche brothers’ great skill and their originality.

Ratings & Reviews

93 Points – Vinous Media:
“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 Bereche, as it is a hidden gem in the range. Dosage is 5 grams per liter.” – Antonio Galloni (Nov 2023)

92 Points – Wine Advocate:
“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.” – William Kelley (Mar 2021)

92 Points – Jeb Dunnuck:
“The current release of the NV Champagne Brut Reserve is based on the 2019 vintage. It is roughly equal parts Chardonnay, Meunier, and Pinot Noir, with 35% reserve wine blended in. Fruity, floral, and open, with notes of fresh citrus blossoms, orchard fruits, and fresh bread, the palate is generous and approachable, with apricot, berries, and a lightly savory broth. This is consistently one of the best entry wines that versatile enough to drink alone or to accompany a meal. Drink 2022-2030.” (Nov 2022)