Domaine du Pavillon, Meursault, Burgundy, France, 2020

Producer Profile

The Bichot family have had connections to wine since 1831, when Bernard Bichot founded a wine trading business in Monthélie.

Bernard’s son, Hippolyte, bought the first of the family’s vines in Volnay and his son Albert gave the family business momentum in the late 19th century, settling in the heart of Beaune where they still follow their dream to this day. Having gone off to find adventure in the world, travelling extensively from the Arctic to the Antarctic, Albéric Bichot returned to Beaune and took over the business in 1996; and though he fully respects the family’s traditions, he is completely focused on the future. Albéric compares himself to the “conductor of an orchestra, proud to bring people and their talents together in a common project”. He tackles the many challenges faced by the region with energy, converting to organic viticulture in the Côte-d’Or vineyards, adapting to new markets as they emerge, and increasing the prestige and exposure of Burgundy wines worldwide. He remains convinced that the quality of the grapes is what determines the quality of the wine and is currently focused on work begun in the 1980s to secure supplies and expand vinification and cellaring capacity.

Viticulture

The vines are grown on classic Meursault limestone-clay soils with excellent drainage and southern exposure. Sustainable viticulture with limited yields ensures ripe, concentrated grapes while preserving natural freshness and expression of terroir. Grapes are harvested by hand at optimal ripeness.

Winemaking

After gentle pressing, fermentation occurs in oak barrels using native yeasts. The wine is aged on fine lees for 14 to 16 months in French oak, with around 20–30% new barrels. This approach lends complexity and depth without overpowering the purity of fruit. Regular bâtonnage adds texture and weight.

Tasting Note

A refined, delicate bouquet unfolds with aromas of red berries—cherry, raspberry—and floral notes of rose and violet, gently lifted by a touch of oak. On the palate, it is supple and rounded, with fine structure and a silky, perfumed finish.