Bereche & Fils

History of Champagne Bérêche & Fils

The history of the house begins in 1847, when Albert Bérêche, a winegrower and café owner of Hungarian origin, settled in Champagne. On his land located to the 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, thereby laying the foundations for the house's renown.

It is, however, through subsequent generations that the estate truly took flight. In 1978, Jean-Pierre and Catherine Bérêche, representatives of the fourth generation, intensified production, growing from 30,000 to 80,000 bottles per year, while initiating a transition toward sustainable viticulture. This vision was amplified by their sons, Raphaël and Vincent, who took the reins in 2004. They breathed new energy into 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 Vineyards of Champagne Bérêche & Fils

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

Montagne de Reims: The home village of Ludes, where the estate is located, offers limestone soils of great richness. Other parcels, 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 to natural viticulture, banning chemical herbicides and adopting Biodynamic practices across several parcels. 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 the winemaking while Vincent tends the vines with exemplary dedication. 

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 take an artisanal approach, combining tradition and innovation.

Parcel separation: Each parcel is vinified individually, allowing the unique characteristics of each terroir to be captured.

Fermentation in oak barrels: Three quarters of the production ferments 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.

Secondary fermentation under cork: Unlike the common use of crown caps, Bérêche champagnes age under cork stoppers, a rare technique that imparts a smooth texture and fine mousse.

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

The Cuvées of Champagne Bérêche & Fils

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

Brut Réserve (24 months on the 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 fruits, candied citrus, with a touch of brioche and toasted almonds.

Les Beaux Regards (32 months on the lees)

100% Chardonnay.

Century-old vines located on the lieux-dits 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, white flowers, and a saline, chalky finish that reflects the terroir.

Rive Gauche (36 months on the lees)

100% Pinot Meunier.

Old vines of over 50 years 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 the 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 tribute to the Roman past of the Reims region, formerly known as Campania Remensis.

Notes of raspberry, cherry, vineyard peach, complemented by a touch of grapefruit and orange zest.

Le Cran (84 months on the 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 fruits, toasted almonds, and a long finish marked by a chiseled minerality.

Reflet d'Antan (41 months on the 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 latest vintage.

This solera-type method imparts a unique richness and complexity to this champagne.

Notes of dried fruits, honey, hazelnuts, and 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 intense red fruit aromas and an elegant structure.

In addition to their emblematic cuvées, Raphaël and Vincent Bérêche explore the Champagne terroirs with their annual collection of Crus Sélectionnés, highlighting 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 the commitment of Raphaël and Vincent to sublimate the terroir through meticulous work in the vineyard and the 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 be savored.