Bérêche Champagne AOC Rive Gauche Extra Brut 2020

Raphaël and Vincent Bérêche are the young innovators behind this old family domaine founded in 1847. The fifth generation to head the estate (Raphaël joined his father in 2004), they are unceasingly curious and meticulous, garnering immense attention in France and now in the US. The estate's vineyards are planted with roughly equal parts of chardonnay, pinot noir, and pinot meunier. They have been turning their attention to natural viticulture, having completely stopped using chemical herbicides in 2003, and converting to biodynamic since 2007. They have slowly been increasing the percentage of oak used in the cellar, and today about three-quarters of the production is vinified in barrel. Disgorging is still done entirely by hand, and they use a traditional liqueur for dosage.

This blanc de noirs is 100% pinot meunier from the Bérêche vineyards “Maisoncelle” and “Côte aux Chataîgners” in Mareuil-le-Port, toward the western end of the Vallée de la Marne. It brings an intensity and elegance that stand out among meunier Champagnes. This cuvée shows abundant autumnal fruit flavors of excellent quality. Aromas of ripe and dried orchard fruit, quince paste, and toasted grain open to flavors of hazelnut and smoke, with a pure, salty finish. Sustainably grown.