2016 Rive Gauche Extra Brut, Bérêche et Fils, Vallée de la Marne

2016 Rive Gauche Extra Brut, Bérêche et Fils, Vallée de la Marne

Only 4000 bottles of this wine have been made in 2016 from the low yielding old vines planted on a north-facing slope in Mareuil-le-Port. It is taut and refined, with the nervous fruit of top class Pinot Meunier handled by expert hands. Bérêche is now one of the most sought-after growers in Champagne. 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
92/100 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
    Pinot Meunier
  • Maturity
    Ready 2021 - 2030info
  • Colour
    White
  • Sweetness
    Dry
  • Style
    Sparkling
  • Unit Volume
    Bottle (75cl.)
  • ABV
    12.5%

Tasting notes

Disgorged in November 2019 with three grams per liter dosage, the 2016 Extra-Brut Rive Gauche offers up aromas of waxy citrus rind, pear, white flowers, fresh pastry and toasted almonds. Medium to full-bodied, fleshy and incisive, with tangy acids and a penetrating, saline finish, it's a racy, mineral rendition of this cuvée.

William Kelley, Wine Advocate (March 2021)
92/100
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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