Bérêche & Fils Côteaux Champenoise Ormes Rouge Les Montées 2019

Bereche & Fils is a family estate in the Montagne de Reims that has worked its vineyards since 1847, though it only became a reference name for grower Champagne from 2004 under brothers Raphael and Vincent. This wine is a still red made under the Coteaux Champenois appellation, the rare designation for table wine from the Champagne region, using Pinot Noir. Champagne is at the northern edge for ripening red grapes, so the style is pale, light and high in acidity, and the chalk subsoil that defines the region adds a saline, mineral quality. The wine is aged twelve months in French oak barrels, which broadens the texture without covering the fresh fruit. The colour is a bright, pale ruby. The nose shows red cherry, cranberry and red currant, with rose and a chalky, earthy note. The palate is light bodied and taut, with fine tannins, high acidity and a lean, saline finish that marks its cool origin. Serve at 14 to 15 degrees, and a light chill suits it. It suits duck, poultry and mushroom dishes.