Why it matters
The producer
Albéric Bichot has directed Maison Albert Bichot since 1996, representing the sixth generation of family leadership. The house's family line has been passed from father to son since 1831.
The portfolio grew through acquisitions. Domaine Long-Depaquit was acquired in 1968, Domaine du Clos Frantin in 1969, Lupé-Cholet in 1978 and Domaine du Pavillon in 1993. Long-Depaquit comprises approximately 70 hectares in Chablis and 10% of all Chablis Grand Cru vineyards. Clos Frantin is a 13 hectare Côte de Nuits estate with Grand Crus. Pavillon became the central vinification facility for the house's Côte de Beaune wines.
Place and vineyards
Where the wines begin
Chablis, the Côte de Nuits and the Côte de Beaune give Maison Albert Bichot distinct Burgundy addresses. Domaine Long-Depaquit contributes Chablis Grand Cru vineyards, Domaine du Clos Frantin contributes Côte de Nuits Grand Crus, and Domaine du Pavillon vinifies the Côte de Beaune wines.
The geography changes both label level and cellar role. Chablis contributes a named Grand Cru site, the Côte de Nuits contributes Grand Cru holdings, and the Côte de Beaune contributes a dedicated vinification base. Lupé-Cholet adds a multi-property holding that includes Château Gris in Nuits-Saint-Georges.
Wines to know
The range in view
Chablis Grand Cru Les Clos is 100% Chardonnay from a named Grand Cru site. Its total aging lasts 16 months, with 65% in stainless steel and 35% in 1 to 5 year old oak barrels during 10 months on fine lees, followed by 6 months in stainless steel. The nose has floral notes from the upper plot and toasted almond and hazelnut from the mid slope plot. The palate is tangy, with an aging potential of 5 to 10 years and more.
Pommard Clos des Ursulines is the named Pommard monopole, aged in oak and carrying an aging potential of 5 to 7 years and more. The wider range includes Domaine du Clos Frantin's Côte de Nuits Grand Crus and Côte de Beaune wines vinified at Domaine du Pavillon.