Bergères-lès-Vertus

Bergères-lès-Vertus: A detailed overview

Bergères-lès-Vertus (postcode 51130) is a charming village in the French Champagne region of Côte des Blancs, located around 21 kilometres south of Épernay. With a population of 606 inhabitants (as of 2023), the municipality is one of the small but important towns in Champagne. Bergères-lès-Vertus is characterised by its location on the southern edge of the Côte des Blancs, directly adjacent to Vertus, and enjoys the status of a Premier Cru village.

Viticulture and vineyards

The vineyards of Bergères-lès-Vertus cover around 220 hectares. These areas are predominantly planted with Chardonnay, which is typical of the Côte des Blancs. In detail, the grape varieties are distributed as follows:

• Chardonnay: 213 hectares
• Pinot Noir: 5 hectares
• Pinot Meunier: 2 hectares

The vineyards are situated at an altitude of 120 to 160 metres above sea level, which favours the conditions for growing Chardonnay. This altitude ensures excellent drainage and balanced ripening of the grapes.

Terroir and wine characteristics

The wine from Bergères-lès-Vertus is known for its richness of extract, fruitiness and wonderful balance. The character of the wines reflects the special terroir of the region, which is characterised by the layers of pine and the limestone soil. These conditions favour the development of wines with great depth and elegance.

Champagne houses and winegrowers

An outstanding champagne producer from Bergères-lès-Vertus is the Champagne François Vallois. The Vallois family produces both Premier Cru and Grand Cru Champagne. François Vallois' wines are known for their long maturation on the lees, which gives them additional complexity. The style of their champagnes is characterised by a high concentration of extract, great fruitiness and a harmonious balance. They deserve special attention:

• Vintage champagne: These champagnes represent the best characteristics of a vintage and are often complex and well-structured.
• Vieille Vigne Champagne: These are made from grapes from old vines planted in the 1950s and offer deep and complex flavours.
• Rosé de Saignée: A champagne that is known for its deep, fruity notes and is characterised by its special production method.

The annual production of François Vallois is around 35,000 bottles, which emphasises the exclusivity and artisanal quality of his champagnes.

Historical and cultural aspects

Bergères-lès-Vertus has a long tradition of winegrowing that stretches back centuries. The close connection to viticulture not only characterises the economy of the municipality, but also its culture and everyday life. The local community is proud of its heritage and cherishes the traditions that make the village unique.

This comprehensive description of Bergères-lès-Vertus provides you with a detailed overview of the current situation, the wine-growing culture and the importance of the commune within the Champagne region.

 

 

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