N/V Reflet d'Antan Brut, Bérêche et Fils

N/V Reflet d'Antan Brut, Bérêche et Fils

This is one of the rarest and most highly-prized of the Bérêche wines. It is made to showcase just what reserve wines can do in a blend, if given enough time to develop. It includes a proportion of perpetual reserve (started in 1985), made up of wines from the best plots owned by the family. A portion of this was drawn off and then spent three years ageing sur lattes before disgorgement. It has mature, almost sherry-like notes, and a wonderfully complex, savoury and deep character. It is one of the most intriguing and though-provoking wines on the list, and certainly one of the rarest. The family team own 11 hectares, most of which are in the village of Ludes on the Montagne de Reims. In recent years they have gone from strength to strength, and their wines are snapped up with speed. They block malolactic fermentation so the wines have a tensile, chalky line running through them. The extended oak ageing they practice adds depth and power to the wines.

Critic score
95/100 info

This wine is now sold out. Please get in touch with your advisor or one of our team on [email protected] or 01473 313 300 for more information or guidance on an alternative.

Wine details

  • Region & country
    Champagne, France
  • Grape
    35% Pinot Meunier
    35% Pinot Noir
    30% Chardonnay
  • Maturity
    Ready 2021 - 2028info
  • Colour
    White
  • Sweetness
    Dry
  • Style
    Sparkling
  • Unit Volume
    Bottle (75cl.)
  • ABV
    12.5%

Tasting notes

Based on the 2015 vintage and complemented, as usual, by some 30% reserve wines from a solera of demi-muids dating back to 1986, this bottle of the NV Brut Reflet d'Antan saw tirage in 2017, followed by disgorgment in December 2019 with 0.6 grams per liter dosage. Mingling aromas of toasted nuts and candied peel with hints of honeycomb and fresh mint, it's medium to full-bodied, fleshy and incisive, with tangy acids and a long, sapid finish.

Antonio Galloni, vinous.com (March 2021)
95/100
Bérêche et Fils

Bérêche was established in 1847, however it was not until 2004 when brothers Raphaël and Vincent took the helm that its reputation started to soar. The family own 11 hectares of well-situated vineyards across the Champagne region; the majority surround the village of Ludes on the Montagne de Reims, plus the Vallée de la Marne and Grand Cru vineyards in Mailly, Aÿ and Ambonnay. The key to their phenomenal success is in the detail - Vincent is in charge of the vineyards, and together with a team of 10 employees meticulously cares for the vines. His work is organic, yields are restricted and grapes are hand harvested on a plot by plot basis. In the cellar, Raphaël employs extended oak ageing and cork closures (rather than cap) to add depth and flavour. He also has a fearless desire to experiment with blending and utilising their top terroirs to add even greater complexity. Each vineyard parcel is vinified and aged individually. The ambitious brothers also created a range of Champagne they named Raphaël et Vincent Bérêche, an experiment which allowed them to showcase separate Premier and Grand Cru vineyard sites.

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