What kind of wine is Champagne Extra Brut 1er Cru 'Le Cran' 2017 - Bérêche et Fils
The Champagne Extra Brut 1er Cru 'Le Cran' 2017 - Bérêche et Fils comes from one of the most esteemed independent Champagne houses, that of the Bérêche et Fils family, synonymous with authenticity and respect for the region's tradition. This prestigious vintage originates from the Premier Cru vineyards of Ludes, in the heart of the Montagne de Reims, an area renowned for the extraordinary quality of its Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes.
Produced using the Champenoise method (or "traditional method"), it undergoes a second fermentation in the bottle, which gives the wine its characteristic fine and persistent bubbles. A long and meticulous process that best expresses the elegance and complexity typical of the Bérêche house.
Vintage Details
The 2017 vintage was characterized by a harsh winter and an early spring, followed by a balanced summer that favored optimal grape ripening. The harvest in Ludes allowed for the collection of healthy and concentrated bunches, with excellent levels of acidity and aromaticity. The result is a Champagne of great precision and freshness, capable of evolving elegantly over time.
Vinification and Aging
The Champagne Extra Brut 1er Cru 'Le Cran' 2017 - Bérêche et Fils is the result of careful vinification: the musts ferment in oak barrels, a technique that enriches the wine with softness and toasted notes. This is followed by aging on the lees in the bottle for 84 months (7 years), an exceptionally long period that contributes to its aromatic complexity and the creaminess of the bubbles. The "Extra Brut" dosage – a minimal addition of sugar – enhances the wine's purity and linearity.
Tasting Notes
A vintage of great elegance and character, capable of finely expressing the identity of the Premier Cru terroir.
Color
In the glass, it presents a brilliant golden yellow, traversed by a dense and fine perlage, a distinctive sign of its long maturation on the lees.
Nose
On the nose, it reveals complex and harmonious aromas: white flowers, candied citrus, dried fruit, and light notes of bread crust and honey. With aeration, mineral nuances and hints of ripe yellow fruit emerge, adding depth.
Palate
On the palate, it is balanced, dry, and vibrant. The bubbles are extremely elegant and perfectly integrate a full and creamy structure. The finish is long and savory, with a return of citrus and mineral notes that invite another sip.
What to pair Champagne Extra Brut 1er Cru 'Le Cran' 2017 - Bérêche et Fils with
This Champagne finds ideal pairings with seafood cuisine and the most refined dishes. Perfect to accompany:
- raw fish and tuna or salmon tartare
- oysters and crustaceans
- chicken or turkey dishes with light sauces
- aged cheeses and bloomy-rind goat cheeses
Its structure also makes it an excellent companion for mushroom risottos or gourmet vegetarian dishes.
Storage and Aging
Knowing how to store Champagne Extra Brut 1er Cru 'Le Cran' 2017 - Bérêche et Fils is essential to maintain its qualities. This vintage has an interesting evolutionary potential over time.
- Temperature: store bottles between 10°C and 14°C, consistently.
- Light: avoid direct exposure to light, which can alter delicate aromas.
- Position: keep the bottle lying down, so that the cork remains moist and maintains its seal.
Served at approximately 10-12°C, this Champagne will best express its elegance and complexity. With proper cellar aging, it can evolve for several years, offering increasingly fascinating nuances.
Bérêche and Son
The history of the Bérêche et Fils winery The Bérêche et Fils winery represents a beacon of tradition and innovation in the heart of the Champagne region. Founded in 1847, the estate has kept its family heritage alive, expertly passing down the secrets of the trade from generation to generation. ...
How to open and best serve Champagne Extra Brut 1er Cru 'Le Cran' 2017 - Bérêche et Fils
1. Bottle Positioning
Before opening Champagne Extra Brut 1er Cru 'Le Cran' 2017 - Bérêche et Fils, it's important to position the bottle upright for at least a few hours, so that any sediment can settle at the bottom. If the wine has been stored lying down, slowly return it to an upright position, avoiding abrupt movements that could disturb the natural yeasts present at the bottom.
2. Ideal Serving Temperature
Serving temperature is crucial to enhance the elegance of this Champagne. It is recommended to serve at a temperature between 9°C and 11°C. Too cold would risk dulling its aromas, while too warm would alter its freshness and liveliness. To achieve the perfect temperature:
- Chill the bottle in an ice bucket with ice and water for about 20-25 minutes;
- Avoid placing the bottle in the freezer, which could damage the wine's aromas and structure.
3. Opening the Bottle
To open Champagne correctly:
- Carefully remove the foil capsule and loosen the wire cage, always keeping your thumb on the cork;
- Hold the bottle tilted at 45°, gripping it firmly from the base;
- Rotate the bottle (not the cork) with small movements until you hear a gentle sigh, not a pop. This will prevent excessive carbon dioxide dispersion and maintain the fineness of the perlage.
4. Inspection and First Tasting
After opening, pour a small amount of Champagne Extra Brut 1er Cru 'Le Cran' 2017 - Bérêche et Fils into a glass to check its condition. Observe the color and brilliance, then smell and taste to ensure there are no defects or abnormal oxidative notes. It is normal to perceive complex aromas of dried fruit, citrus, and toasted bread.
5. Decantation and Oxygenation
Although Champagne is rarely decanted, in the case of a vintage like this 2017, a slight aeration process can be useful to best develop the secondary and tertiary aromas. You can:
- Gently pour the Champagne into a large, cold decanter for a few minutes;
- Alternatively, let it breathe in the glass for 10–15 minutes before tasting.
This step will help soften any reductive notes and bring out the aromatic depth typical of the Bérêche et Fils style.
6. Serving
Serve Champagne Extra Brut 1er Cru 'Le Cran' 2017 - Bérêche et Fils in tulip-shaped or egg-shaped glasses, which enhance both the aromatic bouquet and the persistence of the perlage. Fill them only one-third full to allow for oxygenation and promote the concentration of aromas.
7. Storage After Opening
If not entirely consumed, re-seal the bottle with a specific Champagne stopper and store it in the refrigerator. Ideally, the wine should be finished within 24 hours to still enjoy its freshness and fineness. After this time, the perlage will tend to diminish and the aromatic bouquet will evolve rapidly.