Maison André Bergère : Oenothèque 2004

Characteristics and tasting tips for the Oenothèque 2004 from Maison André Bergère

Tasting

Appearance

The wine displays a brilliant pale yellow hue, enhanced by subtle amber reflections that attest to its extended bottle aging.

Nose

The nose reveals an aromatic palette dominated by toasted and grilled notes. Aromas of coffee and roasting gradually unfold, accompanied by nuances of dried fruit and brioche that reflect the complexity acquired over the years.

Palate

On the palate, this champagne captivates with its beautiful freshness, which harmoniously contrasts with the toasted and grilled aromas perceived on the nose. The structure reveals remarkable complexity, with coffee and roasting notes that linger through to a long, elegant finish. The minerality brings a vivacity that perfectly balances the whole.

Food and wine pairings

The Oenothèque 2004 is an ideal companion for grilled fish and premium seafood. It also pairs beautifully with foie gras, where its complexity and freshness balance the richness of the dish. Creamy poultry preparations also make for a harmonious pairing.

Serving and storage

This Oenothèque 2004 champagne is ready to be enjoyed and fully reveals its aromatic potential. The minimal dosage preserves its natural freshness and highlights the complex aromas developed during extended aging.

Other characteristics

This champagne benefited from extended aging on lees in magnum format with late disgorgement. Malolactic fermentation was carried out in full. The wine was not filtered, thus preserving all of its aromatic and textural richness.

An age-worthy champagne from the Vallée du Petit Morin

The estate

Maison André Bergère is a family House founded in 1949 by Albert Bergère, located in Fèrebrianges in the Vallée du Petit Morin. The family has been cultivating vines on these lands since 1848. Today, the estate spans 45 hectares spread across the Vallée du Petit Morin, the Côte des Blancs and the Sézannais. Adrien Bergère, representing the fourth generation, has been leading production since 2014 and introduced an innovative single-plot vinification of 139 distinct parcels. The Maison stands out for its commitment to sustainable viticulture, with 12 hectares farmed organically, and a philosophy of minimal intervention in the cellar.

The vineyard

The Oenothèque 2004 comes from the Vallée du Petit Morin, a historic terroir of the Maison located in the communes of Fèrebrianges, Étoges and Congy. The vines grow on flint-limestone soils, locally known as "Terre-Blanche," particularly well suited to Chardonnay, as well as on millstone clay soils favorable to Pinot Noir. This geological diversity within a single valley allows the full expression of the richness and minerality characteristic of this Champagne terroir.

The vintage

The 2004 vintage in Champagne is recognized as one of the greatest of the century, often regarded as the second best after the legendary 2002. The year was marked by a mild winter followed by an exceptionally warm and sunny spring and summer. Grape ripening proceeded remarkably quickly in September, with an unusual accumulation of sugars. Despite an abundant harvest, the quality and concentration of the fruit remained exceptional, giving rise to champagnes of remarkable balance and great aging potential.

Winemaking and aging

The vinification of the Oenothèque 2004 was carried out on lees in stainless steel tanks, thereby preserving the purity of the fruit and the natural expression of the terroir. The wine then underwent extended aging in magnum format on lees with late disgorgement, a method that promotes the development of aromatic complexity and textural richness. Malolactic fermentation was completed in full, contributing roundness and complementary notes. No filtration was performed in order to preserve the full aromatic and textural qualities of the champagne.

Grape varieties

Chardonnay (60%)
Pinot Noir (40%)