Two new Champagnes from vintage 2018 from Bérêche & Fils has been released on the market. Read Richard Juhlins tasting notes and scores. [read the full champagne story]
Estimated reading time: 2 minutes
2018 Bérêche & Fils ‘Montagne Grand Cru Mailly’
90(92)p
100 pn
TASTING NOTE ‘Tried next to the grower’s vintage twin from Ambonnay on nice new ones
the star restaurant Ergo in Stockholm. Both share the same deep reddish color, ultra-small fine bubbles, rich notes and healthy springy acidity. Where they go separate ways is where Ambonnay pulls on floral elegant finesse, Mailly pulls on with more power, fatter sunnier texture and higher density. Ambonnay is not unexpectedly my favorite again this time with its unmistakable style.’
2018 Bérêche & Fils ‘Montagne Grand Cru Ambonnay’
92(94) p
100 pn
TASTING NOTE ‘Tried next to the grower’s vintage twin from Mailly at the nice new star restaurant Ergo in Stockholm. Both share the same deep reddish color, ultra-small fine bubbles, rich notes and healthy springy acidity. Where they go separate ways is where Ambonnay pulls on floral elegant finesse, Mailly pulls on with more power, fatter sunnier texture and higher density. Ambonnay will once again be my favorite with its unique style. Like a lighter version of Selosse Bout du Clos de Ambonnay.’
Bérêche & Fils
★★★★
A famous grower in Craon de Ludes between Ludes and Louvois that started in 1847. Brothers Raphaël and Vincent Bérêche have been working with their father Jean-Pierre since 2004 and represent the fifth generation of the house. The Bérêche family are proprietors of 11.5 hectares. The vines are spread between Ludes, Ormes, Mareuil le Port, Festigny, and Mareuil-le-Port. There are also plots in the premier crus Trépail, Chigny and Rilly and grand cru Mailly. The brothers are best known for their solera champagne Reflet d´Antan, which is fermented on tank, but stored on large oak barrels. I am very fond of several of his intense and well-made wines. Here is a lot of new oak and Vilmart-influenced ecological exotic style from the neighboring village of Ludes. No malolactic fermentation or filtration and very low dosage as well as a super concentrated fruit are hallmarks. The wines can sometimes be a bit acidic but exude elegance and are a kind of mini-Krug where Le Cras is worthy of a special mention.
A superb grower !
Champagne Club by Richard Juhlin
