What wine is Champagne Grand Cru Avize Cuvée Unique Extra Brut 2016 Magnum - Bereche et Fils
The Champagne Grand Cru Avize Cuvée Unique Extra Brut 2016 Magnum - Bereche et Fils is born in the heart of the Côte des Blancs, one of the most vocated areas of Champagne, where the Chardonnay grape expresses its maximum elegance and depth. The house of Bérêche et Fils, renowned for its artisanal production and faithful to tradition, signs a cuvée that tells the story of the purity and finesse of the Avize terroir, classified as Grand Cru. This Champagne is produced according to the méthode champenoise (or traditional method), which involves a second fermentation in the bottle. It is precisely this step, followed by a long aging on the lees, that gives the wine its typical creaminess and the refined effervescence that distinguishes it.Vintage Details
The 2016 vintage was characterized by a complex climate, with a cool and rainy spring followed by a dry and hot summer. These conditions led to a balanced ripening of the grapes and a harvest of healthy and concentrated bunches. The result is a Champagne of great aromatic precision, where acidity and roundness coexist in perfect harmony, making the Extra Brut 2016 a vintage of particular balance and longevity.Winemaking and Aging
The winemaking follows the classic method, with secondary fermentation in the bottle and a long period of aging on the lees. The Champagne Grand Cru Avize Cuvée Unique Extra Brut 2016 Magnum - Bereche et Fils rests for several years in the cellars of the house, benefiting from the slow maturation that enriches the aromatic profile and taste structure. The "Extra Brut" dosage, less than 6 grams per liter, preserves the natural freshness of the wine and enhances its mineral purity typical of the calcareous vineyards of Avize.Tasting Notes
Color
In the glass, it presents a luminous golden yellow with greenish reflections, a sign of its youth and the Chardonnay component. The fine and continuous perlage testifies to the careful prise de mousse and the long stay on the lees.Nose
On the nose, it releases elegant and complex aromas: notes of ripe citrus, white flowers, and hazelnut blend with hints of bread crust and mineral accents. A bouquet that evolves in the glass, revealing the depth and stylistic precision of the Bérêche et Fils house.Palate
On the palate, it is vibrant and refined, dominated by an impeccable balance between freshness and structure. The fine bubbles caress the sip, while the finish is long and persistent, with a clear savory and citrusy trail that invites a second glass.Food Pairings for Champagne Grand Cru Avize Cuvée Unique Extra Brut 2016 Magnum - Bereche et Fils
Versatile and sophisticated, this Grand Cru Champagne lends itself to multiple gastronomic pairings:- Perfect to accompany raw seafood, fish tartare, or oysters, enhancing the wine's minerality.
- Ideal with white fish dishes or shellfish, in delicate cooking methods such as steaming or grilling.
- Also interesting with aged cheeses or Asian cuisine, thanks to its balance between tension and softness.
Storage and Aging: How to store Champagne Grand Cru Avize Cuvée Unique Extra Brut 2016 Magnum - Bereche et Fils
To preserve the qualities of this Champagne over time, it is important to follow some simple rules:- Temperature: keep the bottle between 10 and 12°C, avoiding sudden temperature changes that could alter the wine.
- Light: store the Magnum in a dark place, away from direct light sources that can damage the content.
- Position: keep the bottle lying down, so that the cork remains constantly in contact with the wine and maintains the correct humidity.
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 Grand Cru Avize Cuvée Unique Extra Brut 2016 Magnum - Bereche et Fils
1. Bottle placement
Before opening, place the bottle of Champagne Grand Cru Avize Cuvée Unique Extra Brut 2016 Magnum - Bereche et Fils horizontally for a few hours. This allows the wine to stabilize and the sediments to settle evenly. Avoid vibrations or abrupt movements to preserve the fine effervescence and aromatic balance typical of this vintage Champagne.
2. Ideal serving temperature
The correct temperature is essential to fully appreciate the character of an Extra Brut Grand Cru like this. Serve it between 9°C and 11°C. Excessive cooling would penalize the aromatic complexity, while a too high temperature would reduce its freshness. Slowly chill the bottle in a bucket with ice and water for about 30 minutes before opening.
3. Opening the bottle
To open the Champagne Grand Cru Avize Cuvée Unique Extra Brut 2016 Magnum - Bereche et Fils safely and without dispersing carbon dioxide:
- Dry the bottle well and remove the foil.
- Loosen the wire cage, always keeping your thumb on the cork.
- Hold the cork steady and slowly rotate the bottle (not the cork) with a slight, controlled movement.
- Allow the gas to escape gently, avoiding a "pop," to preserve the fine perlage.
4. Inspection and first taste
Pour a small amount of Champagne into the glass to check its clarity and the quality of the mousse. A brilliant golden color and a fine, persistent mousse indicate correct storage. On the nose, you should perceive complex aromas of ripe fruit, candied citrus, and toasted brioche notes. Taste a small sip to check for any defects or alterations.
5. Decanting and oxygenation
Although unusual for Champagnes, decanting can be useful for an aged cuvée like the 2016 Magnum from Bereche et Fils. Decanting allows for the release of evolved aromas and enhances the structure:
- Use a wide, clean decanter.
- Slowly pour the Champagne along the side of the decanter, maintaining a constant flow to avoid losing too many bubbles.
- Let it rest for 10-15 minutes before serving, so it can oxygenate slightly and open up in the glass.
6. Serving
Serve the Champagne Grand Cru Avize Cuvée Unique Extra Brut 2016 Magnum - Bereche et Fils in large white wine glasses or new-generation flutes, which favor aromatic perception and maintain the fine effervescence. Fill them only one-third full and pair the Champagne with elegant dishes such as oysters, fish carpaccios, or aged blue cheeses.
7. Storage after opening
If not fully consumed, recork the bottle with an airtight Champagne stopper and store it in the refrigerator, keeping it upright. Under these conditions, the Champagne Grand Cru Avize Cuvée Unique Extra Brut 2016 Magnum - Bereche et Fils will maintain freshness and vivacity for 24-36 hours. Avoid leaving it at room temperature or exposed to direct light.