A Historical Tapestry
Champagne Berech traces its roots back to the 18th century when the Berech family first planted their vineyards in the fertile soils of Champagne. The family’s commitment to crafting exceptional wines has endured through generations, passing down the secrets of winemaking from one to another. Each bottle produced by Champagne Berech carries not just the flavors of the grapes but also the rich history and expertise of a family dedicated to their craft.
Grapes of Distinction
The foundation of Champagne Berech’s success lies in the meticulous selection of grape varieties. The winery boasts an array of grape varieties, each contributing to the unique character of their wines. Among the whites, Chardonnay takes centre stage, bringing its crisp acidity and delicate notes to the forefront. Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, the red grape varieties, add depth and complexity to the blends, creating a symphony of flavours that dance on the palate.
Champagne Bérèche et Fils
Route de Louvois Le Craon de Ludes | 51500 Ludes | +33 3 26 61 13 28
The winemakers at Champagne Berech understand that the key to crafting exceptional Champagne lies in the harmonious blending of these grape varieties. The art of blending is a delicate balance, an alchemical process that transforms individual grapes into a sparkling masterpiece. As the seasons change, so does the composition of the blends, ensuring that each bottle reflects the nuances of the terroir and the unique character of that particular vintage.
A Symphony of Wines:
Champagne Berech’s portfolio is a testament to the diversity of their vineyards and the skill of their winemakers. From the elegant and refined Blanc de Blancs, made exclusively from Chardonnay, to the robust and full-bodied Brut Rosé, the winery offers a spectrum of flavors to suit every palate.
The Brut Reserve, a flagship offering, encapsulates the essence of Champagne Berech. A carefully crafted blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier, this wine is a celebration of balance and finesse. Its fine bubbles dance on the tongue, releasing notes of citrus, green apple, and a hint of brioche. With each sip, one can taste the dedication and craftsmanship that goes into creating such a masterpiece.
Champagne Berech also takes pride in its vintage releases, where the focus is on showcasing the unique characteristics of a particular year. These limited-edition bottles are a glimpse into the nuances of the terroir, capturing the essence of a specific growing season.
As we raise our glasses to Champagne Berech, we not only celebrate the art of winemaking but also pay homage to the generations of vignerons who have tended to the vineyards, ensuring that each grape is a reflection of the land from which it springs.
Following the Bereche Portfolio:
Rive Gauche
Rilly la Montagne
Les Beaux Regards
Campania Remensis
Brut Reserve
Cramant Grand CRU
Ambonnay Grand Cru
Reflet d’Antan
Mailly-Champagne Grand Cru
Le Cran
Ay Grand Cru
Les Montees – Coteaux Champenois
The Cellar Secrets Unveiled
Beyond the lush vineyards and the rolling hills lies the heart of Champagne Berech—the cellars. Deep beneath the surface, a labyrinth of caves cradles the aging wines, allowing them to evolve and mature into the exceptional Champagnes that have captivated connoisseurs for centuries.
The Underground Cathedral:
Descending into the cellars of Champagne Berech is like stepping into a sacred space dedicated to the art of ageing. The cool, damp air envelops visitors as they explore the miles of underground tunnels, each bottle resting peacefully in the hallowed silence. The cellars, often referred to as the “underground cathedral,” are a testament to the winery’s commitment to tradition and the belief that time is an essential ingredient in crafting exceptional Champagne.
Time’s Embrace:
Champagne Berech follows the méthode traditionnelle, a labour-intensive process that involves a secondary fermentation in the bottle. Once the base wines are blended, they are bottled, and a precise mixture of sugar and yeast is added to initiate the second fermentation. The bottles are then sealed with a crown cap and laid to rest in the cool darkness of the cellars.
As the wines age on their lees, a magical transformation takes place. The interaction between the wine and the lees imparts complexity and depth, creating the fine mousse and distinctive flavours that define Champagne Berech. The winemakers patiently wait, allowing time to work their alchemy, ensuring that each bottle reaches its full potential before it graces the table.
The Art of Riddling:
One of the cellar’s most intriguing rituals is the process of riddling, a method used to collect the sediment from the second fermentation in the neck of the bottle. Traditionally done by hand, each bottle is carefully turned and tilted, encouraging the sediment to settle in the bottleneck. This meticulous technique requires skill and precision, a dance performed by the winemakers to ensure clarity and purity in the final product.
Today, while modern technology has introduced mechanized riddling, Champagne Berech continues to honor the heritage of manual craftsmanship. The rhythmic turning of each bottle remains a homage to the past, a connection between the present and the centuries of winemaking tradition that precede it.
