![]()
Bernard Bichot was the first generation of the Bichot family to formally establish a connection with wine.
In 1831, Bernard founded a wine trading company in the village of Monthelle on Burgundy's Cote de Beaune. He resiliently survived the devastating phylloxera plague that devastated European vineyards at the time, laying a solid foundation for the family business for generations to come.
Bernard's son, Hippolyte, the second Bichot, built upon his father's legacy in the wine trade, conceived the idea of bridging upstream supply and demand. Through tireless efforts, he finally established the Albert Bichot winery in Beaune in 1912, adding a significant chapter to the family's wine story.
Thanks to his grandfather's legacy, Hippolyte's son, Albert Bichot, was born with the winery's name. However, unlike his grandfathers, Hippolyte's son, Albert Bichot, did not venture into the wine business early in his youth. As his father's Domaine flourished, he embarked on a journey around the world. It was not until 1996 that he took over the family business, becoming the third Bichot.
His extensive travels throughout North America, Asia, and Oceania in his early years gave this third-generation heir a unique perspective on winery management and winemaking techniques upon his entry into the wine industry, a key to the Bichot family's renewed success.
Albert Bichot clearly had a clear vision for himself and his winery, and he spared no effort in renewing his cultivation philosophy, improving his winemaking capabilities, and enhancing the reputation of Burgundy wines. He was a charismatic and visionary winery leader, as evidenced by the quality of the six estates he oversaw.
Region
Domaine Albert Bichot's six estates cover the main appellations of Burgundy, including its important Grand Cru and Premier Cru vineyards, from north to south. They are:
Chateau Long-Depaquit (Chablis)
Domaine du Frantin (Cote de Nuits)
Chateau-Gris (Cote de Nuits)
Domaine du Pavillon (Cote de Beaune)
Domaine Adelie (Cote Chalonnaise)
Domaine Rochegres (Beaujolais)
Among them, the Chablis, Cote de Nuits, and Cote de Beaune estates, along with the Grand Cru and Premier Cru vineyards within these appellations, are particularly noteworthy.
Located in the heart of Chablis, Long Depaquit primarily practices sustainable viticulture and emphasizes minimal intervention in the winemaking process, resulting in elegant wines that are true to the terroir's character.
Long Depaquit owns plots in five of the seven Grand Cru vineyards in Chablis. In addition, there is another Grand Cru, Moutonne, widely considered the exclusive property of the Albert Bichot family. Its white wine, hailed by Decanter magazine as one of "the 100 wines you can't miss," demonstrates the high quality of the estate's wines.
Grand Cru Les Clos
Les Clos is the largest Grand Cru vineyard in Chablis. It covers the entire hillside, enjoying optimal sunlight thanks to its southwesterly exposure. Albert Bichot owns two plots here, each producing two distinct yet complementary wines. The first plot, located at the top of the hill, has mostly rocky soil, producing wines that are bold, fresh, and commanding. The second plot, located mid-slope, has deeper soil and slightly warmer temperatures, producing wines that are full-bodied, rich, and rounded. It is precisely because of this blend that Albert Bichot's Grand Cru Les Clos exhibits such rich complexity.
Hand-harvested, 65% stainless steel barrels, 35% 1-5 year old oak barrels. Maturation: 10 months on the lees in stainless steel barrels (65%) and 1-5 year old oak barrels (35%), and finally 6 months in stainless steel barrels.
Rating / Tasting Note
James Suckling 94
Smooth and fluid with a very intense lime-citrus thread as well as some grapefruit. Long and powerful acid line. An elegant, powerful and stony finish.
Vinous 91
Very pure but restrained nose offers scents of white peach, lemon oil, spearmint and powdered stone, plus a hint of spices. Deeper and richer than the Blanchots but not showing quite as much personality or definition today. Less detailed but ultimately a broader-shouldered, larger-scaled wine, and less evolved today.
