What wine is Champagne Extra Brut Grand Cru Ay 2016 - Bérêche et Fils
The Champagne Extra Brut Grand Cru Ay 2016 - Bérêche et Fils is born in the heart of the Vallée de la Marne, one of the most renowned areas for producing Champagnes of great personality. The Bérêche et Fils house, founded in 1847, is now passionately led by the fifth generation of the family, who have always upheld an artisanal approach that prioritizes sustainable viticulture and traditional winemaking. This is a Grand Cru Champagne from Aÿ, one of Champagne's most prestigious villages, where Pinot Noir expresses extraordinary structure and depth. The term "Extra Brut" indicates a very low sugar dosage, which allows for maximum appreciation of the wine's purity and the terroir's precision. All this is achieved using the Champenoise method, also known as méthode traditionnelle, which involves a second fermentation in the bottle to obtain fine and persistent bubbles.Vintage Details
The 2016 vintage in Champagne was characterized by fluctuating weather, with a rainy spring and a hot, sunny summer that favored the perfect ripening of the grapes. During the harvest, dry and breezy conditions ensured healthy and concentrated bunches, yielding wines with a great balance between freshness and aromatic complexity.Winemaking and Aging
The Champagne Extra Brut Grand Cru Ay 2016 - Bérêche et Fils is produced using the classic method, which involves secondary fermentation in the bottle and a long period on the lees to develop finesse and depth. Aging takes place for several years, partly in wood and then in the bottle, so that the toasted notes of the yeasts are perfectly integrated with the fruit's freshness. The Extra Brut dosage, less than 6 g/l, keeps the wine dry and essential, enhancing its authenticity and the identity of the Aÿ terroir.Tasting Notes
Color
Visually, it presents a beautiful brilliant golden yellow, with luminous reflections and fine and persistent bubbles that speak of its long stay on the lees.Nose
The aroma is elegant and complex. Notes of ripe citrus, almond, brioche, and a mineral touch recalling the chalkiness of Aÿ's soils alternate. With aeration, floral accents and nuances of honey and sweet spices emerge, a distinctive sign of meticulous care in the cellar.Palate
On the palate, it is taut, savory, and structured. The sip is dry yet creamy, supported by vibrant freshness and a long, persistent finish. The fine and enveloping bubbles amplify the fruity and mineral sensations, leaving the mouth clean and inviting another taste.Food Pairings for Champagne Extra Brut Grand Cru Ay 2016 - Bérêche et Fils
This Champagne lends itself to multiple pairings thanks to its balance and the structure of Pinot Noir. It is perfect with:- raw seafood, oysters, and crustaceans
- salmon or tuna tartare
- poultry or rabbit dishes
- hard and aged cheeses
Storage and Aging: How to store Champagne Extra Brut Grand Cru Ay 2016 - Bérêche et Fils
To preserve the quality of this Champagne, it is important to store it in a cool, dark environment with a constant temperature around 10-12°C. The bottle should be laid horizontally so that the cork remains moist, ensuring the seal's integrity. Avoid direct exposure to light and vibrations: UV rays can compromise the finesse of the perlage and alter more delicate aromas. Well-kept, the Champagne Extra Brut Grand Cru Ay 2016 - Bérêche et Fils can evolve further in the bottle for several years, developing more complex and softer nuances without losing its vitality.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 best open and serve Champagne Extra Brut Grand Cru Ay 2016 - Bérêche et Fils
1. Bottle positioning
To fully enjoy the qualities of Champagne Extra Brut Grand Cru Ay 2016 - Bérêche et Fils, position the bottle upright for at least 24 hours before opening. This allows any sediment to settle at the bottom, facilitating a clean and precise pour.
2. Ideal serving temperature
The ideal temperature for this aged Champagne is between 9°C and 10°C. A wine that is too cold would lose some of its aromas, while one that is too warm would excessively enhance the alcoholic notes. Chill the bottle slowly in the refrigerator for about three hours or immerse it in an ice bucket with ice and water for 20-30 minutes.
3. Opening the bottle
Opening a wine of this caliber requires attention and delicacy:
- Remove the foil, leaving the wire cage visible.
- Hold the bottle at a 45° angle and firmly grasp the cork while slowly unscrewing the cage, without removing it completely.
- Rotate the bottle, not the cork, until you hear a slight sigh: this indicates a correct and safe opening, which preserves the finesse of the bubbles of Champagne Extra Brut Grand Cru Ay 2016 - Bérêche et Fils.
4. Inspection and first taste
After opening, observe the perlage: it should be fine, persistent, and regular. Pour a small amount into a glass for the first taste. Visually evaluate the color, smell the glass to catch the initial aromatic notes, and taste to check for any alterations.
5. Decanting and oxygenation
Although rare for a Champagne, an aged wine like Champagne Extra Brut Grand Cru Ay 2016 - Bérêche et Fils can benefit from slight oxygenation. Carefully pour the first part into a decanter or directly into a large glass to encourage the complex aromas of dried fruit, candied citrus, and chalky notes typical of the Ay terroir to open up. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
6. Serving
Serve the Champagne in large tulip-shaped glasses, which allow for better concentration and diffusion of aromas. Fill them one-third full, leaving space for oxygenation and observation of the perlage. Pair this wine with elegant dishes such as oysters, shellfish, or aged cheeses to enhance its mineral character and refined structure.
7. Storage after opening
If not entirely consumed, re-seal the bottle with an airtight Champagne stopper and store it in the refrigerator. Thanks to its low Extra Brut dosage, the Champagne Extra Brut Grand Cru Ay 2016 - Bérêche et Fils can maintain its vivacity for 24-48 hours. For optimal performance, consume within this timeframe.