This cuvée has become synonymous with the kind of extreme quality that can today be expected from Champagne’s finest estates. The current release is based on the 2020 vintage and was disgorged in February 2024. Like its predecessors, this release comprises 65% fruit from the base vintage, with the balance from the two previous years. The blend is split between 35% Pinot Noir from Montagne de Reims (specifically Ludes, Trépail and Ormes), 35% Chardonnay from sites across Montagne de Reims and Vallée de la Marne and 30% Meunier from Mareuil-le-Port in Vallée de la Marne. Ludes and Trépail provide the tension, offsetting the depth and texture of the Marne fruit and reserve wines. The average vine age is 40 years.
The hard-harvested fruit ferments naturally in barrel before aging in barrel and tank. After bottling, the wine spends 36 months sur lattes in the Bérêche cellar, and finally, disgorgement by hand (!) with just under 6 g/L dosage. This is the kind of fastidious attention to detail you would expect from the finest prestige cuvées, and it shines through in the quality of the wine. Antonio Galloni (Vinous) is spot-on when he writes: “Although most readers probably associate Bérêche with some of their higher-end bottlings, the Brut Réserve is a real rock star.” The style is taut and focused; the wine’s natural density and texture are superbly balanced by crystalline acidity and smoky mineral resonance. Simply, it’s one of the most compelling introductions to elite grower Champagne on the market.
Critic Reviews
93 POINTS
Antonio Galloni MW - Vinous
The NV Brut Réserve is bright and finely sculpted right out of the glass. There's terrific purity and energy running through the Brut Réserve. Crushed red berry fruit, white pepper, crushed rocks and mint all race out of the glass. This release is based on 2020, with a good bit of reserve wine (35%) that serves to create terrific balance. The 5.5 grams of dosage is not at all felt.
92 POINTS
Wine Spectator
This firm Champagne is richly spice and mouthwatering, carrying flavors of currant, bread dough, golden raisin, smoked almond and lemon confit on a lively bead. Features a long, lasting, graphite-tinged finish. Disgorged December 2013.
92 POINTS
Wine Spectator
Racy acidity firms up this rich Champagne, with a honeyed overtone to the well-spiced palate of grilled nut, poached pear, lemon parfait and ripe raspberry. Lacy in texture, with a smoke-tinged finish. Disgorged January 2015.
92 POINTS
Wine Spectator
Racy acidity and chalk-tinged minerality define this sleek Champagne, while the fine, satiny mousse imparts a sense of finesse and carries flavors of crushed blackberry, toast, licorice and mandarin orange peel. Well-spiced, mouthwatering finish. Disgorged December 2015.
92 POINTS
Wine Spectator
Firm and sleek, with crisp acidity structuring flavors of Gala apple, raisin bread, quince paste and almond cream. Well-knit, with a fine bead and fresh finish. Disgorged September 2011.
92 POINTS
James Suckling
Plenty of pastry and lees-derived chalkiness and fresh cream notes. The palate is very fleshy, expansive and accessible and yet it stays very pure, fine and focused. Great shape. Mostly pinot with 35 per cent of reserve wine.
92 POINTS
James Suckling
Pinot noir and chardonnay from the Montagne de Reims, this has strong pinot noir influence with wild red berry fruit aromas as well as brioche and woody, foresty notes. The palate walks a clever line of tartness and flavor that is right in the red fruit zone. This is full of life. Twists savory into hazelnut and pastry at the finish. Drink now – this is terrific value.
92 POINTS
Falstaff
Shipping & Returns
Marketplace Product:
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Tasting Notes
This cuvée has become synonymous with the kind of extreme quality that can today be expected from Champagne’s finest estates. The current release is based on the 2020 vintage and was disgorged in February 2024. Like its predecessors, this release comprises 65% fruit from the base vintage, with the balance from the two previous years. The blend is split between 35% Pinot Noir from Montagne de Reims (specifically Ludes, Trépail and Ormes), 35% Chardonnay from sites across Montagne de Reims and Vallée de la Marne and 30% Meunier from Mareuil-le-Port in Vallée de la Marne. Ludes and Trépail provide the tension, offsetting the depth and texture of the Marne fruit and reserve wines. The average vine age is 40 years.
The hard-harvested fruit ferments naturally in barrel before aging in barrel and tank. After bottling, the wine spends 36 months sur lattes in the Bérêche cellar, and finally, disgorgement by hand (!) with just under 6 g/L dosage. This is the kind of fastidious attention to detail you would expect from the finest prestige cuvées, and it shines through in the quality of the wine. Antonio Galloni (Vinous) is spot-on when he writes: “Although most readers probably associate Bérêche with some of their higher-end bottlings, the Brut Réserve is a real rock star.” The style is taut and focused; the wine’s natural density and texture are superbly balanced by crystalline acidity and smoky mineral resonance. Simply, it’s one of the most compelling introductions to elite grower Champagne on the market.
