Bereche & Fils Ay Grand Cru 2014

Bereche & Fils Ay Grand Cru 2014

Champagne authority Peter Liem writes that “among all Champagne villages, Aӱ is the most historically esteemed… Today, its terroir is still just as storied, and its grapes are sought after by winemakers across the region.” Generally speaking, it’s a warmer terrain, and though the Bérêche vines sit at higher, cooler altitudes, they are fully exposed to the sunnier south.

From a Grand Cru where Pinot Noir reigns supreme, Bérêche’s cuvée is sourced from less than a hectare of 50+-year-old vines in the parcels of Brise Pot and Froide Terre in Grande Vallée de la Marne, where thin topsoils (30cm at most) lie over dense Campanian chalk. The lion’s share of the blend is Pinot Noir from Froide, with the balance Chardonnay from Brise Pot. Both parcels were picked on 14^th September at 10.8% potential alcohol, “in perfect health”, according to the brothers. As is the norm, slow ferments took place in barrel, and the wine spent 72 months on lees in bottle. Dosage was 4 g/L.

The 2014 Extra-Brut Ay Grand Cru bristles with tension. It’s a great choice for readers who enjoy focused Champagnes. Red cherry, mint, crushed rocks, white pepper, sage and dried herbs give this mid-weight nervy Champagne tons of aromatic presence. Deep veins of minerality and vibrant acids shape the persistent, driving finish. Dosage is 4 grams per liter. Disgorged: November, 2021.