Maison André Bergère : Oenothèque 2008

Characteristics and tasting tips for the Oenothèque 2008 from Maison André Bergère

Tasting

Appearance

The wine displays a brilliant straw-yellow hue, reflecting the freshness preserved despite its age. The effervescence is expressed through fine and persistent bubbles.

Nose

The bouquet reveals remarkable aromatic complexity. The initial notes evoke toasty and roasted aromas, accompanied by nuances of brioche. With aeration, the nose unveils fragrances of ripe fruits such as peach, apricot and citrus. Floral touches of honeysuckle, jasmine and orange blossom enrich the ensemble, while spicy notes of vanilla, clove and nutmeg add an extra dimension. The characteristic minerality of the chalky terroir is also elegantly expressed.

Palate

On the palate, this champagne offers a full and refined texture. The fresh acidity is harmoniously balanced with the complexity brought by the long aging on laths. The creamy sensation provided by the effervescence envelops the palate. The roasted coffee and toasty aromas linger through to a persistent and savory finish.

Food and wine pairing

The Oenothèque 2008 pairs perfectly with fine fish and seafood. It also elegantly accompanies foie gras, whose richness finds balance in the champagne's acidity and minerality. Grilled white meats also make a harmonious pairing. This exceptional champagne can accompany an entire gourmet meal.

Serving and storage

It is recommended to serve the Oenothèque 2008 at a temperature between 8 and 10°C. Disgorged after lengthy aging, this champagne currently offers remarkable drinking pleasure while retaining a cellaring potential of approximately 20 additional years.

A champagne from the Vallée du Petit Morin combining freshness and complexity

The estate

Founded in 1949 by Albert Bergère, Maison André Bergère perpetuates a family savoir-faire rooted in the Vallée du Petit Morin since 1848. Now led by André Bergère and his children Adrien and Annaëlle, this independent family-owned House cultivates approximately 45 hectares of vines spread across the Vallée du Petit Morin, the Côte des Blancs and the Sézannais. The family positions itself as a terroir artisan, favoring the authentic expression of its plots.

The vineyard

The Oenothèque 2008 comes exclusively from the three historic villages of the Vallée du Petit Morin: Fèrebrianges, Étoges and Congy. This region, located south of Épernay, is characterized by chalky, limestone-rich soils, sometimes blended with clay and flint. These terroirs give the wines a beautiful minerality and remarkable natural acidity. The vineyard benefits from varied exposures, creating a mosaic of microclimates. Maison André Bergère practices sustainable and environmentally respectful viticulture.

The vintage

The 2008 vintage is recognized as one of the most exceptional of the decade in Champagne. This year produced remarkable Chardonnays and generous Pinot Noirs of outstanding quality. The wines from the 2008 vintage stand out for their balance, finesse and exceptional aging potential. Freshness, tension and harmony define this highly sought-after vintage.

Winemaking and aging

The Oenothèque 2008 benefited from careful winemaking in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks. Malolactic fermentation was carried out in full. The wine was then aged at length on laths in magnum format, allowing prolonged contact with the lees that contributes complexity and textural richness. Late disgorgement is an essential characteristic of the Oenothèque cuvée, offering the champagne additional maturation before release. The dosage is 6 g/l.

Grape varieties

Chardonnay (60%)
Pinot Noir (40%)