Albert Bichot : Chablis Grand cru "Les Clos" Dom. Long-Depaquit 2018

The structure and aromatic palette of a Burgundy Chardonnay by Albert Bichot

The producer

Although the history of the Bichot family goes back to 1214, it was in 1350 that it was established in Burgundy. The wine merchant's house, created in Monthélie in 1831, under the initiative of Bernard Bichot, experienced a a spectacular growth during the 19th century, becoming the Swedish Court’s offical suppliers. An independent, family-run house, Albert Bichot is one of those great names that have left their mark on the wine industry and the influence of Burgundy wines. Today, the company is run by the 6th generation since 1996, harmoniously blending modernity with family tradition.

Today, Albert Bichot owns more than 100 hectares of vineyards, spread from the north to the south of Burgundy, and grouped into 6 prestigious estates: Domaine Long-Depaquit, located in Chablis, in the Yonne department, Domaine du Clos-Frantin and Château Gris, both located in Nuits-Saint-Georges and Domaine du Pavillon, in Pommard. Dedicated to Mercurey wines, it was in 2013 that Albert Bichot bought Domaine Adélie. The estate is named after the first name of Albert Bichot's daughter, who was born in 2003, thus perpetuating the family legacy from generation to generation. The beautiful Domaine de Rochegrès vineyard, in the Moulin À Vent appellation, joined the family business in 2014.

The vineyard

This 2018 Grand Cru "Les Clos" Domaine Long-Depaquit by Albert Bichot is a Chablis wine that is made from two 1.5 hectare plots. The vines are, on average, 30 years old and are planted on Kimmeridgian clay-limestone soils composed of very hard marl sometimes coloured with ochre. The largest Grands Crus climats, "Les Clos" benefits from a south-western exposure to the setting sun and enables two plots with different and complementary characteristics to be combined.

The first plot, located halfway up the hill, benefits from slightly higher temperatures than the second and offers full-bodied, rich and fat wines. The second plot, at the top of the hillside, protected from the northern winds by the nearby forest, offers wines with more tension and acidity. The blending of these two plots highlights the delicate complexity of this Chablis Grand Cru.

Vinification and ageing

To respect the fruit’s integrity, the grapes are harvested by hand. 65% of the wine is vinified in stainless steel vats and 35% in oak barrels aged between 1 and 5 years, as is the ageing process. The wines are aged in barrels and vats for 10 months and then aged on fine lees in stainless steel tanks for 6 months.

The blend

"Les Clos" Domaine Long-Depaquit 2018 by Albert Bichot is a 100% Chardonnay.

Chablis Grand Cru "Les Clos" Dom. Long-Depaquit 2018 by Albert Bichot: Characteristics and tasting tips

The tasting

Nose

The aromas combine floral notes from the highest plot with dried fruit notes (grilled almonds, hazelnut) from the mid-slope plot.

Palate

The powerful palate seduces with its discreet acidic structure while enhancing the structure of this wine.

Food and wine pairing

This wine can be served with seafood, white meats or slightly spicy food.

Service

For an optimal tasting experience, serve at 11-13°C.

Storage

This Chablis Grand Cru "Les Clos" Domaine Long-Depaquit 2018 by Albert Bichot can be kept in the cellar until around 2033 in order to express its full aromatic range.