Bereche & Fils Brut Reserve NV
Bereche is a producer receiving quite a bit of attention and praise in Europe lately. And having drunk a few bottles over there last year, and a couple more here in Australia over the Sydney summer, I can confidently vouch for the quality. Roughly a three-way split of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, this, the NV Brut Reserve, was disgorged in July 2022 with 2019 as the base wine. The overal 'feel' here is one of freshness and energy but without sharp edges. The flavour profile spans orchard fruit, showing red and green apple and some white peach. Hints of red fruit poke through with subtle autolytic character a minor player. The producer certainly takes a 'farmer/vigneron first, winemaker second' approach meaning the health and quality of the vine comes first and foremost, and i think the quality and purity of the fruit really shines through here. A producer to watch and a wine to try. - Ches Cook, FWC.
The Brut Réserve is based on the 2019 vintage (65%) with the balance from the two previous vintages. The blend is split between 35% Pinot Noir from Montagne de Reims (specifically Ludes, Trépail and Ormes); 30% Chardonnay from sites across both Montagne de Reims and Vallée de la Marne; and 35% Pinot Meunier from Mareuil-le-Port in Vallée de la Marne. The average vine age is 40 years. The fruit was hand-harvested, followed by a natural yeast fermentation in barrel, 24-36 months sur lattes in the Bérêche cellar, and finally, disgorgement by hand (with six grams per litre dosage).