What kind of wine is Champagne Extra Brut Grand Cru Mailly-Champagne AOC 2019 - Bérêche et Fils?

Champagne Extra Brut Grand Cru Mailly-Champagne AOC 2019 - Bérêche et Fils is the pure and authentic expression of the Grande Montagne de Reims, one of the most renowned areas in Champagne for the elegance and depth of its Pinot Noir. Produced by the historic house Bérêche et Fils, now run by Raphaël and Vincent Bérêche, this wine represents the perfect synthesis of artisan tradition and contemporary sensibility. Like all high-end Champagnes, it is made using the méthode champenoise (also known as the traditional method), which involves a second fermentation in the bottle and a long aging on its lees, responsible for the finesse of the mousse and the aromatic complexity that distinguishes the best cuvées.

Vintage Details

The 2019 vintage in Champagne was characterized by a balanced climate, with mild springs and a warm but not excessive summer. In the Les Chalois plot – 0.40 hectares located at an altitude of 170 meters with a gentle 5% slope – the Pinot Noir grapes achieved perfect ripeness, preserving freshness and aromatic concentration. The deep clay and chalk soils imparted a solid structure and elegant minerality to the Champagne, an identifying mark of the Mailly-Champagne terroir.

Winemaking and Aging

The winemaking faithfully follows the dictates of the traditional method. After fermentation in stainless steel and a short rest in wood, the Champagne remains in the bottle for approximately 54 months on its lees. This long contact enhances its creaminess and adds complexity to every sip. The Extra Brut dosage – meaning a very low residual sugar content – allows the purity of the grapes and the natural freshness of the wine to emerge, for an impeccable balance between acidity and substance.

Tasting Notes

A cuvée that captivates with its elegance and precision, capable of offering a complete and refined sensory experience.

Color

Visually, the Champagne Extra Brut Grand Cru Mailly-Champagne AOC 2019 - Bérêche et Fils displays a luminous golden yellow with slightly amber reflections. The fine and continuous bubbles form a persistent and delicate mousse, a sign of long aging on the lees.

Nose

The aromatic profile is broad and seductive: it opens with notes of bread crust and toasted hazelnut, followed by hints of yellow apple, ripe citrus, and white flowers. With time, mineral nuances and a delicate trace of honey and light spices emerge, inviting tasting.

Palate

On the palate, it is taut, precise, and vibrant. The attack is fresh, supported by a creamy bubble and an elegant structure. The finish is long and savory, with a clear mineral imprint and a persistence that leaves the mouth clean and refreshed.

Food Pairings for Champagne Extra Brut Grand Cru Mailly-Champagne AOC 2019 - Bérêche et Fils

This Champagne Extra Brut Grand Cru Mailly-Champagne AOC 2019 - Bérêche et Fils is ideal for accompanying an entire meal dedicated to finesse. Here are some suggested pairings:

• Raw seafood and oysters, to enhance the wine's freshness and minerality
• Salmon tartare or tuna carpaccio, perfect for its elegant structure
• Delicate risottos based on fish or vegetables
• Grilled poultry or mushroom-based dishes, which highlight its aromatic complexity
• As a celebratory toast, on its own or paired with aged hard cheeses

Storage and Aging: How to store Champagne Extra Brut Grand Cru Mailly-Champagne AOC 2019 - Bérêche et Fils

To maintain the qualities of this Champagne, it is essential to store it correctly.

• Temperature: between 10 and 12°C (50-54°F), in a cool and stable place.
• Light: avoid direct exposure to intense natural or artificial light, which could alter its aromatic profile.
• Position: the bottle should be kept horizontally, so that the cork remains in contact with the wine and does not dry out.

If stored under ideal conditions, Champagne Extra Brut Grand Cru Mailly-Champagne AOC 2019 - Bérêche et Fils can evolve for 5-7 years, developing more complex nuances without losing freshness, perfect for those who enjoy tasting wines with an authentic and refined character.