Albert Bichot, Château Gris, Nuits-Saint-Georges Premier Cru, Monopole, Burgundy, France, 2023

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

Château-Gris is a unique 6.30-hectare monopole vineyard located on the south-western slopes of Nuits-Saint-Georges within an historic walled clos. The 35 to 40-year-old Pinot Noir vines are planted on terraced slopes between 260 and 330 metres above sea level, rooted in calcareous clay soils. This elevated, hillside terroir promotes excellent ripening while preserving freshness and aromatic complexity.

Winemaking

The grapes are harvested by hand and carefully sorted upon arrival at the winery to ensure only the finest fruit is selected. Fermentative maceration takes place in temperature-controlled wooden vats for 18 to 21 days, allowing gentle extraction of colour, flavour and tannin. This meticulous approach produces a wine of elegance, depth and balance. The wine is matured in French oak barrels for 16 to 17 months, with 35% to 40% new oak. Extended barrel ageing enhances texture, complexity and structure while integrating subtle oak nuances into the wine's rich fruit profile.

Tasting Note

Refined and beautifully expressive, this Nuits-Saint-Georges Premier Cru combines aromas of raspberry, strawberry and blackcurrant with delicate floral notes of rose, violet and peony, framed by a touch of oak. The palate is smooth and generously fruited, supported by polished tannins and impressive structure. Elegant and distinguished, it finishes with freshness, length and remarkable poise.

Food matching

Outstanding with beef Wellington, roast venison, duck with cherries and mature Époisses or Comté cheese.