Bérèche et Fils is a well-regarded grower Champagne producer founded in 1847 and currently run by Raphaël and Vincent Bérèche. The family is known for crafting exceptional Champagnes with a focus on terroir expression and sustainable viticulture. Their extra brut rosé, known as ‘Campania Remensis’, draws its inspiration from the Roman term for the countryside around Reims. The fruit hails from a single plot in the village of Ormes, situated just west of Reims in the Petite Montagne region. The 2020 is 75% Pinot noir, 20% Chardonnay and 5% Ormes rouge, bottled with just 3 grams per liter dosage. The wine boasts vibrant, enduring qualities, and offers a rich array of flavours, including red berries, crushed petals, mineral notes, tobacco, and sweet spices.
Bérèche et Fils has a long history in Reims, having been established in Craon de Ludes in 1847. However it was not until brothers Vincent and Raphaël Bérêche took over the management of the house in 2004 that its reputation began to soar. Their dedicated and at times innovative work has ensured that Champagne Bérêche is one of the most talked about grower-producers in the region.
Vincent and Raphaël source exclusively organically farmed fruit mainly from their home terroir in the 1er Cru Ludes, along with Ormes (Petite Montagne) and Mareuil-le-Port (Vallée de la Marne), as well as isolated parcels in Trépail, Rilly-la-Montagne, and Chigny-les-Roses, and the Grand Crus of Mailly, Ambonnay and Aÿ. From a total of 20 parcels the brothers produce a total of nine Champagnes and one still Coteaux Champenois.
Grapes are hand harvested on a plot by plot basis and each vineyard parcel is vinified and aged individually. In the cellar, extended oak ageing and cork closures are employed to add depth and flavour to the wines. The house style is complex, concentrated and textured, yet with a precision and laser focus. In 2013, the brothers also launched a mini-project (now ended) called Raphaël & Vincent Bérêche Crus Sélectionnés, through which they bought wines from top 1er and Grand Cru growers and experimented with extended ageing 'sur lattes’.
