Bereche & Fils

History of Champagne Bérêche & Fils

The story of the house begins in 1847, when Albert Bérêche, a winegrower and café owner of Hungarian origin, settled in Champagne. On his lands located northwest of the Montagne de Reims, he cultivated three hectares of vines, supplying his grapes to prestigious houses such as Canard-Duchêne. His son, Léon Bérêche, took over at the beginning of the 20th century and expanded the estate. A visionary, Léon created a brut wine cuvée that was awarded a prize in Paris in 1895, thus laying the foundations of the house's reputation.

It is, however, through the following generations that the estate truly takes flight. In 1978, Jean-Pierre and Catherine Bérêche, representing the fourth generation, intensified production, going from 30,000 to 80,000 bottles per year, while initiating a transition toward sustainable viticulture. This vision was further developed by their sons, Raphaël and Vincent, who took over the reins in 2004. They brought new energy to the estate through biodynamic practices and increased attention to detail, both in the vineyard and in the cellar.

Today, the Bérêche & Fils house is recognized as one of the jewels of Champagne, blending family tradition with bold innovation.

Terroirs and Vines of Champagne Bérêche & Fils

The terroirs of Bérêche & Fils, the true heart of their identity, extend across approximately nine hectares, spread across exceptional sites. These diverse vineyards allow the full richness and complexity of the Champagne terroirs to be expressed.

Montagne de Reims: The birthplace of Ludes, where the estate is located, offers limestone soils of great richness. Other plots, such as those of Trépail and Mailly, complement the range of terroirs of the Montagne.  

Vallée de la Marne: In Mareuil-le-Port, the clay-limestone soils reveal the full finesse and elegance of Pinot Meunier, while in Aÿ and Binson, other grape varieties find a unique expression.

Petite Montagne de Reims: The gravelly terroirs of Ormes lend the wines a striking minerality and a distinctive profile.

Since 2003, the house has turned toward natural viticulture, banning chemical herbicides and adopting Biodynamic practices on several plots. With meticulous attention, the vines are tended by a team of 10 full-time employees, ensuring particular care for each plant. The work is shared, with Raphaël Bérêche handling winemaking while Vincent oversees the vines with exemplary care. 

Winemaking at Champagne Bérêche & Fils

Winemaking is a true signature at Bérêche & Fils, where every detail matters to magnify the expression of the terroir. Raphaël and Vincent adopt an artisanal approach, combining tradition and innovation.

Plot-by-plot vinification: Each plot is vinified individually, allowing the unique characteristics of each terroir to be captured.

Oak barrel fermentation: Three quarters of the production ferment in 350-liter barrels. This method promotes remarkable aromatic complexity and depth.

No malolactic fermentation: This choice preserves the natural acidity and freshness of the wines, ensuring great precision.

Second fermentation under cork: Unlike the common use of crown caps, the Bérêche champagnes age under cork stoppers, a rare technique that lends an unctuous texture and a fine mousse.

Extended aging: The cuvées spend between 2 and 8 years on lees, depending on their complexity. Each bottle is hand-disgorged and lightly dosed to preserve the purity of the wine.

The cuvées of Champagne Bérêche & Fils

The cuvées of Bérêche & Fils embody the perfect expression of Champagne terroirs, combined with exceptional expertise. Each wine tells a unique story, the result of meticulous grape selection, precise winemaking, and long aging under cork. Here is a detailed overview of the cuvées:

Brut Réserve (24 months on lees)

Blend: Approximately one third Chardonnay, one third Pinot Noir, and one third Pinot Meunier.

This emblematic champagne is a blend of 70% wines from the current year and 30% reserve wines drawn from a perpetual reserve started in 1985. It embodies the perfect harmony between freshness, vivacity, and richness.

Notes of white fruit and candied citrus, with a hint of brioche and toasted almonds.

Les Beaux Regards (32 months on lees)

100% Chardonnay.

Centenary vines located on the named plots Les Beaux Regards (planted in 1902) and Les Clos (planted in 1970) in Ludes, on the Montagne de Reims.

This Blanc de Blancs is a true ode to the minerality of the limestone of the Montagne de Reims.

Aromas of candied lemon and white flowers, with a saline and chalky finish that bears witness to the terroir.

Rive Gauche (36 months on lees)

100% Pinot Meunier.

Old vines over 50 years of age located in the clay-limestone terroir of Port à Binson, in the Vallée de la Marne.

This cuvée highlights a grape variety that is often underestimated, here sublimated to offer a wine of rare purity and elegance.

Delicate red fruits (raspberry, cherry), a silky texture, and a spiced finish.

Campania Remensis (36 months on lees)

60% Pinot Noir, 30% Chardonnay, 10% Pinot Meunier, with a small proportion of still red wine for color.

From the unique terroir of Ormes, in the Petite Montagne de Reims.

The name of this cuvée pays homage to the Roman past of the Reims region, once known as Campania Remensis.

Notes of raspberry, cherry, and vine peach, enhanced by a hint of grapefruit and orange zest.

Le Cran (84 months on lees)

60% Chardonnay, 40% Pinot Noir.

Two emblematic plots, Le Cran and St-Jean, located in Ludes on chalky mid-slope soils.

This vintage champagne expresses the full richness and complexity of the Ludes terroir, with exceptional mineral intensity.

Aromas of ripe fruit, toasted almonds, and a long finish marked by chiseled minerality.

Reflet d'Antan (41 months on lees)

30% Chardonnay, 35% Pinot Noir, 35% Pinot Meunier.

Drawn from a perpetual reserve started in 1985. Each year, a portion of the reserve is drawn off and replaced by wine from the most recent vintage.

This solera-style method lends a unique richness and complexity to this champagne.

Notes of dried fruit, honey, and hazelnuts, with a velvety texture.

Coteaux Champenois

Monts Fournois (white): 100% Chardonnay, from old vines in Rilly-la-Montagne. This still wine reveals remarkable precision and minerality.

Montées (red): A blend of 75% Pinot Noir and 25% Pinot Meunier, from old vines in Ormes. The wine offers aromas of intense red fruits and an elegant structure.

In addition to their emblematic cuvées, Raphaël and Vincent Bérêche explore the Champagne terroirs with their annual collection of Selected Crus, showcasing grand crus from the Côte des Blancs, the Montagne de Reims, and the Vallée de la Marne. Each vintage is an invitation to discover the singularity of these exceptional sites.

Discover other grower champagnes such as the blanc champagnes and rosé champagnes from Egly Ouriet, Larmandier Bernier, Agrapart, Laherte, Dehours, Ruppert Leroy, Françoise Bedel, R. Pouillon, Eric Rodez, Chartogne Taillet, Selosse, Jacques Lassaigne, Benoit Marguet.... Vins & Millésimes invites you to discover the finest bottles and magnums of wines, old vintages, and grand crus, including a wide range of terroir champagnes and vintage champagnes. All our wines are in stock and available for fast delivery! Discover the cuvées of Champagne Bérêche available for purchase!

Champagne Bérêche & Fils is a true gem of Champagne, combining tradition, innovation, and passion. Each cuvée reflects Raphaël and Vincent's commitment to sublimating the terroir through meticulous work in the vineyard and cellar. By purchasing the champagnes of Bérêche & Fils, you are not merely acquiring a wine; you are embracing a rich history and a philosophy of respect for nature and excellence. Whether you are an enthusiast or a connoisseur, each bottle is a unique experience to savor.