Albert Bichot, Secret de Famille, Bourgogne Côte d'Or, Chardonnay, Burgundy, France, 2022

Producer Profile

Albert Bichot brings to Alliance a comprehensive Burgundy portfolio spanning Chablis, the Côte de Nuits, the Côte de Beaune, the Mâconnais and Beaujolais.

With nearly 100 appellations produced across Burgundy and Beaujolais, the House offers exceptional breadth and expertise across the region. Founded in 1831, Albert Bichot is an independent, family-owned House now managed by the sixth generation, Albéric Bichot. Since then, they have consistently developed a unique position in Burgundy, combining the expertise of a historic négociant with the authenticity of its own vineyard holdings. At the heart of the Albert Bichot portfolio are its own vineyard estates, four of which are represented by Alliance and each with its own identity and terroir: Domaine Long-Depaquit one of Chablis' leading estates – 52 Ha. Domaine du Clos Frantin exceptional vineyard holdings in the Côte de Nuits – 13 Ha. Château-Gris a boutique, elegant expression of Nuits-Saint-Georges in the Côte de Nuits – 3 Ha. Domaine du Pavillon prestigious Côte de Beaune vineyards – 19 Ha. Across all four estates, the philosophy remains consistent: careful vineyard management, organic and sustainable viticulture, low intervention and precise winemaking designed to express the individual character of each site.

Viticulture

Produced exclusively from carefully selected vineyards in Burgundy's prestigious Côte d'Or, this Chardonnay is sourced from renowned Côte de Beaune villages including Saint-Aubin, Meursault and Puligny-Montrachet. The vines are planted on classic calcareous clay soils, while the appellation's stricter production regulations, including lower yields and village-level planting standards, help ensure concentration, quality and authentic regional character.

Winemaking

The grapes are harvested by hand, carefully sorted and gently pressed to preserve purity and freshness. Alcoholic fermentation is followed by ageing on fine lees, allowing the wine to develop greater texture, aromatic complexity and depth while maintaining the elegant balance between fruit expression and mineral character. The wine is aged for 10 to 12 months on fine lees, with 50% matured in stainless steel vats and 50% in oak barrels, including 20% new oak. This approach adds subtle richness and complexity while preserving freshness and terroir expression.

Tasting Note

Elegant and expressive, this Bourgogne Côte d'Or Chardonnay opens with aromas of citrus fruits and white blossom, developing layers of honey and dried fruit. The palate is rich yet poised, combining generous texture with vibrant minerality. Harmonious and refined, it delivers impressive balance and a lingering, sophisticated finish.

Food matching

Excellent with grilled Dover sole, roast chicken, seared scallops and soft-rind cheeses such as Brillat-Savarin.