Château de Béru Côte aux Prêtres: A Deep Dive into a Premier Chablis

Château de Béru’s Côte aux Prêtres is a highly regarded Chablis wine, celebrated for its minerality, concentration, and aging potential. Produced from 100% Chardonnay grapes grown in Kimmeridgian limestone soils, this wine offers a compelling expression of the Chablis terroir. This article explores the history of the estate, the unique characteristics of the Côte aux Prêtres vineyard, the winemaking process, and what makes this wine a standout choice for enthusiasts and collectors.

History of Château de Béru

The Béru family has owned the historical Château de Béru domain for 400 years. Before the phylloxera crisis in the early 20th century, the domain relied solely on wine revenues. In 1987, Comte Éric de Béru began replanting the entire vineyard, including the famed Clos Béru, driven by a passion for winemaking. Today, the domain is run by his wife, Laurence, and their daughter, Athénaïs de Béru, who have invested significantly in improving production quality.

The Côte aux Prêtres Vineyard

The Côte aux Prêtres vineyard, meaning “hill of priests,” is the highest hill in Beru. It’s named for an ancient pilgrimage route leading from Vézelay to Compostela, historically used by priests. The vineyard’s west-facing slope and gentle incline benefit from consistent moderate winds. The soil is composed of Kimmeridgian limestone scree and decomposed soils, releasing crystals and minerals that contribute to the wine’s distinctive character.

Winemaking Process

Château de Béru employs natural, organic, and biodynamic winemaking practices. The grapes are hand-harvested and fermented with native yeasts. The wine undergoes 100% malolactic fermentation and is aged for 18 months in both neutral oak and stainless steel. Notably, no fining, filtration, or added sulphites are used in the production process.

Tasting Notes and Characteristics

Côte aux Prêtres from Château de Béru is known for its complex flavor profile. Common tasting notes include lemon zest, oyster shell, and wet chalk, with a pronounced minerality and saline hint. The wine is described as having a “stretched material” and a long, saline, infinite finish. It is considered the most “Chablisian” of the estate’s offerings, showcasing the quintessential characteristics of the region.

Food Pairing Suggestions

This Chablis pairs exceptionally well with seafood, including oysters, crustaceans, and raw or carpaccio-style fish. It likewise complements dishes like turbot or truffle risotto. The wine’s acidity and minerality produce it a versatile pairing for a range of culinary experiences.

Vintage Information

While vintages vary, the 2021 and 2022 vintages of Côte aux Prêtres have been released. The 2022 vintage is described as having a pale yellow color with crystalline clarity, expressive aromas of citrus fruits, and a balance of suppleness and tension.

Where to Purchase

Château de Béru Côte aux Prêtres is available through select wine retailers and online platforms, including SAQ.com.