Spotlight on: Bérêche et Fils

Two brothers have managed to elicit an authentic expression of their terroirs, and set the family business – Bérêche et Fils – on a path toward becoming one of the most well-regarded producers in Champagne.

NESTLED WITHIN the famously picturesque Montagne de Reims, Champagne Bérêche et Fils is anything but your typical producer. Their operations are run by brothers Vincent and Raphaël Bérêche, each of whom spent years under the tutelage of their father, Jean-Pierre, before taking over the reins. Vincent manages the vineyard, while Raphaël focuses on work in the cellar. Their family business has gained more popularity with each successive generation, now producing over 100,000 bottles per year compared with the 20,000 produced by their grandfather. Sustainable agriculture and attentive care for the land are aspects that iDealwine partners are often known for, and Bérêche et Fils is no exception. Despite the fact that their vineyards stretch a mere 9.5 hectares, the Bérêche family employs 10 full-time employees.

BIODYNAMIC FARMING

Bérêche et Fils was also the first producer in Champagne to eliminate the use of pesticides, and it has since halted the use of herbicides as well. The brand practises biodynamic farming methods and uses cover crops for the entire area under vine. Though not certified organic, Raphaël has stated in the past that they do follow organic practices, estimating that the operation is 100% organic in about two out of every three vintages.

The Bérêche family’s commitment to these sustainable methods of agriculture is part of what makes them a fantastic partner for iDealwine, for whom environmental protection and the fight against climate change are subjects of continued and profound importance. More than one third of available lots on iDealwine’s website currently fall under the category of sustainable agriculture (such as organic, biodynamic, or natural).

Additionally, in 2022 iDealwine released the results of a study conducted with customers registered on the website that aimed to better understand the impact that climate change has had on consumer behaviour, further cementing the company’s commitment to this cause. During the winemaking process, the Bérêche family maintains a similar mindset to the one they have in the vineyard. The authentic and uncompromising expression of each terroir is their highest priority. In their effort to represent the uniqueness of each parcel, every bottle of vintage Champagne comes from a single vineyard. There is no use of commercial yeasts, and malolactic fermentation is always prevented, with the one exception being for reserve bottles.

ADDED COMPLEXITY

During second fermentation, Bérêche et Fils uses corks rather than crown caps for added complexity, and disgorgement is always carried out by hand. The majority of their wines are aged in large, neutral French oak barrels for six weeks. Each barrel is purchased new, then washed with the last juice of the Chardonnay press before sitting for one year. The family’s diverse array of 12 cuvées are very well regarded in Champagne, featuring three Premier and four Grand Crus. The three Premiers Crus include Rilly-La-Montagne, Ludes Les Beau Regards, and Ludes Le Cran. The four Grands Crus labels include Aÿ Grand Cru, Cramant Grand Cru, Ambonnay Grand Cru, and Mailly-Champagne.

The varietal composition of their wines is also quite diverse, featuring blanc de noirs, blanc de blancs, and every variation in between. All of their 12 cuvées have recently earned praise by critics in the wine press. In 2022, iDealwine sold over 5,000 bottles of Champagne at auction to customers from dozens of countries. Among these were 16 bottles of Champagne Bérêche et Fils, which sold for a total value of €1,721 (£1,514).

The highest-priced lot for this producer was a magnum of Ludes Premier Cru Le Cran 2009, which went under the hammer in June for €248 (equivalent to €124 in 750ml format). At the time of writing, the 2011 vintage for Premier Cru Le Cran is available at fixed price at iDealwine.com for €130. Lots featuring Champagne Bérêche et Fils are popular on iDealwine regardless of the time of year or the customer ’s demographic profile. There were lots sold in each quarter of 2022 that were purchased by both professionals and private collectors from five countries. The sky truly is the limit for this family-run producer, which seems to gain more popularity and critical acclaim with each passing vintage.

auction update – in association with iDealwine