Born into a family whose winemaking histories date back to the 1800s, Raphaël and Vincent Bérêche started working with their father Jean-Pierre in 2004 and soon became known for their almost fanatical commitment to quality. They have ten full-time employees farming nine hectares of land using biodynamic practices, in order to ensure maximal terroir expression. Each parcel of vines is vinified and aged separately in barrel. Even en tirage, their wine is under cork, with each bottle disgorged by hand. They keep a solera of sorts, started in 1985, which is drawn off by 2/3 each year and then replaced. It’s no surprise that they’re making some of the most coveted wines in Champagne.
Le Cran is one of the most expressive wines in the Bérêche cellar. A 50/50 blend of pinot noir and chardonnay from old vines in two mid-slope lieux-dits in Ludes, it’s a study in Premier Cru terroir. Specifically, the mineral intensity that lives in the chalky heart of the slope. As Raphaël Bérêche puts it, this site often outshines the base of many Grand Crus.
The 2017 is full of nuance and contrast with sun-warmed citrus, orchard fruit, and golden pastry notes cut by cool stone and a touch of spice. There’s density and richness, but also lift and drive, shaped by low yields, long lees aging, and the domaine’s hallmark precision. Each vintage of Le Cran tells a slightly different story, but always in the language of Ludes. This is the 2017 chapter, and it’s beautifully told.
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During warmer months orders are placed on hold, your wines will ship as weather permits and the daily range is consistently between 45 and 74 degrees. Please note pre-arrival sales are non-refundable as suppliers require us to make binding commitments and deposits to secure the wine.
