Maison André Bergère : Oenothèque 2005

Characteristics and tasting tips for the Oenothèque 2005 from Maison André Bergère

Tasting

Appearance

The wine displays a brilliant straw-yellow hue, revealing a fine and persistent effervescence that reflects its long aging on lees.

Nose

The nose unveils remarkable aromatic complexity. Notes of ripe fruit, particularly apricot and peach, intertwine with aromas of honey and toasted almonds. Toasty and roasted nuances add an extra dimension, while a subtle minerality lingers in the background.

Palate

On the palate, this champagne captivates with its creamy texture and remarkable freshness. The attack reveals a beautiful richness, followed by an aromatic palette blending roasted and coffee notes. The finish stands out for its persistence and minerality, offering a perfect balance between concentration and vibrancy.

Food and wine pairing

This exceptional champagne is an ideal companion for refined preparations of noble fish and seafood. It particularly enhances oysters, highlighting their briny freshness, as well as crustaceans such as lobster or langoustines. Delicate white fish prepared with light sauces also make for harmonious pairings.

Serving and storage

The Oenothèque 2005 can be enjoyed now and will continue to evolve favorably for many years to come. It is recommended to serve it at a temperature between 8 and 10°C to fully appreciate all its aromatic nuances.

The elegance of an exceptionally aged champagne

The estate

Founded in 1949 by Albert Bergère, Maison André Bergère carries on a family winemaking tradition that began in 1848. Now led by Adrien Bergère, who joined the estate in 2014 as cellar master, the Maison cultivates 45 hectares of vines spread across three distinct terroirs: the Vallée du Petit Morin, the Côte des Blancs and the Sézannais. Based on the prestigious Avenue de Champagne in Épernay since 2007, the Bergère family favors an artisanal and sustainable approach, with part of the vineyard farmed organically.

The vineyard

This champagne comes from a rigorous selection of plots located in the Vallée du Petit Morin and on the Côte des Blancs. The flint-limestone and millstone-clay soils impart a distinctive minerality and beautiful aromatic complexity to the grapes. The altitude and exposure of the vines promote optimal ripening, yielding cuvées of great finesse.

The vintage

The 2005 vintage in Champagne was marked by a cool, wet spring followed by a hot, dry summer, with particularly scorching temperatures in August. These conditions allowed for excellent grape ripeness, with high sugar levels and remarkably preserved acidity. The harvest took place earlier than the decade's average, producing exceptionally uniform grapes, ideal for crafting champagnes with outstanding aging potential.

Winemaking and aging

The Oenothèque 2005 was vinified in stainless steel tanks to preserve the aromatic purity and freshness of the vintage. The wine then benefited from an extended aging on lees of approximately sixteen years before being disgorged in 2021. The "Oenothèque" designation reflects the house's commitment to only releasing wines that have reached their full maturity, thereby developing great aromatic complexity and a refined texture.

Grape varieties

Chardonnay (60%)
Pinot Noir (40%)