For the past five years, our Master Sommelier Carlton McCoy has partnered with a Champagne House in France to produce a cuvée wine, exclusively available at The Little Nell. In 2016, Carlton collaborated with Maison Bérêche et Fils for this special release, a pinot noir-based brut reserve blend. Just 80 cases were produced, which arrived in July, available on element 47’s wine list. The Nell’s the only hotel or restaurant in Aspen that offers this special experience.
“I’d been drinking Raphaël and Vincent Bérêche’s champagnes for years and sought them out for this year’s craft,” Carlton divulges. When introduced to one another through an importer, the Bereche brothers relayed they were familiar with The Little Nell as one of the great wine programs of the world. Carlton visited their vineyards to discuss the style of champagne he desired, “something richer than the blanc de blancs from the first collaborations and something more diverse to serve at the table.”
“Something richer than the blanc de blancs from the first collaborations and something more diverse to serve at the table.”
When they met, Carlton discovered Bérêche had been working on an experimental cuvée from the Vallée de la Marne based on pinot noir grapes from grand cru and premier cru vineyards. “With 5 ½ years on the lees before disgorgement – the same as you’d find for Dom Perignon or any grand marque champagne – I knew this was exactly what we had in mind. Acidity isn’t high so it’s softer on the palette.”
What to Expect
A phenomenal apéritif, but also delightful for richer first courses and lighter fish dishes, we invite you to try this limited edition offering at element 47.
“It’s one of the great small production champagnes from a cult winery,” added Erik Elliott, assistant sommelier at The Little Nell, shown below.
Get this rare and exceptional champagne this fall at the Little Nell. Ask one of our sommeliers for food pairing recommendations.
To book your reservation at element 47, call 970.920.6330.
