BERECHE & FILS CRAMANT GRAND CRU 2017

Style: Savoury & Detailed

The Bérêche estate was established in 1847 and sold grapes to negociants. In the 1950s, Pierre Bérêche married Solange, a native to Ormes situated to the south-west of Reims, expanding the estate to a total of 5 hectares of vines, and part of the harvest was sold to bigger companies. In the early 1970¿s the estate began to produce cuvees from their own vineyards, with production soaring by 30,000 bottles. In the mid 1990s, it reached 85,000 bottles due to the acquisition of 3 hectares of vines located in the Vallée de la Marne. Since 2004 the estate has been run by brothers Raphaël and Vincent after studying viticulture and oenology sciences respectively. Adopting a non-interventionist approach to both viticulture and winemaking, the Bérêche family farms an increasingly large portion of its 9.5 hectares of vineyard in the Petite Montagne de Reims biodynamically, eschewing chemical treatments and ploughing between the vines by horse. The wines are unfiltered and use natural yeasts for the initial fermentation, partly done in oak. The malo is blocked and dosage levels are low. PWS

The 2017 Extra-Brut Cramant Grand Cru is a rich, textured wine. Lemon confit, marzipan, spice and a whole range of tropical accents are dialed up in this exuberant, open-knit Champagne. This is an especially flamboyant style, but it works nicely. The mousse is especially fine, giving the Cramant a decidedly vinous feel. This is tremendous showing in a very hard year that was better in the Côtes des Blancs than in the Marne Valley, where rot was especially problematic. Dosage is 3 grams per liter. ANTONIO GALLONI, Vinous

Region: Champagne, FRANCE

Variety: Chardonnay

ABV: 12.5%

Liquor Act 2007. It is against the law to sell or supply alcohol to, or to obtain alcohol on behalf of a person under the age of 18 years. Lic No. LIQP770016424

*We endeavour to ensure the correct vintage is displayed, however some variations may occur in store and for delivered bottles.