Maison Albert Bichot: the Contemporary Face of Classical Burgundy
It is difficult to find a Burgundian producer that embodies the spirit of the region more precisely than Maison Albert Bichot. Founded in 1831, this family enterprise is now led by the sixth generation, and owns 106 hectares of vineyards surrounding six historic estates in Burgundy’s most prestigious appellations.
Today, the Albert Bichot family crafts wines that have made the name one of the most recognisable in Burgundy. When shaping our travel route through the region – a group that included not only journalists but also winemakers, restaurateurs and advanced winelovers from Ukraine – visiting the Albert Bichot domaines was simply inevitable. In fact, we visited two.
We are deeply grateful to the esteemed Richard Bampfield MW, judge of the Wine Travel Awards and a sincere friend of Ukraine, for facilitating our visits to these distinguished estates.
From négociant to one of Burgundy’s most influential producers
Maison Albert Bichot began as a négociant and still defines itself as a négociant‑vinificateur‑éleveur. The family has lived in Burgundy since 1350 and maintains a profound connection with the region – including its most emblematic wine event, the Hospices de Beaune auction. As noted earlier, Domaines Albert Bichot unites six historic estates stretching from Chablis to Beaujolais: Domaine Long‑Depaquit (Chablis), Domaine du Clos Frantin (Nuits‑Saint‑Georges), Château‑Gris (Nuits‑Saint‑Georges), Domaine du Pavillon (Pommard), Domaine Adélie (Mercurey), and Domaine de Rochegrès (Moulin‑à‑Vent, Beaujolais).
Organic viticulture and deep respect for terroir
Maison Albert Bichot is currently led by Albéric Bichot, who joined the family business in the early 1990s and became president in 1996. Since then, the company has significantly expanded its vineyard holdings, invested in modern facilities and embarked on a large‑scale transition to organic viticulture.
The philosophy is clear: wine quality begins in the vineyard. Sustainable and organic practices are applied, with natural fertilisers and strict control not only over estate vineyards but also over partner growers’ plots (although wines from purchased grapes are not certified organic). Manual work is widely used, soils are treated with care, and on certain parcels sheep graze in winter to support natural soil health and biodiversity. Combined with ecological packaging, these efforts reduce the environmental impact of the company’s activities.
This gentle, low‑intervention approach continues in the cellar. Each domaine has its own winemaking team and modern equipment, working with maximum respect for terroir. No cultured yeasts are added – only indigenous yeasts from the vineyard. Gravity flow replaces mechanical pumping to preserve purity and aromatics. Ageing lasts 12–18 months in oak barrels from various coopers and with different toast levels, ensuring the subtle, harmonious oak integration that characterises Albert Bichot wines.
A leading buyer at the Hospices de Beaune auction
It is no exaggeration to say that Albert Bichot has become an integral part of the legendary Hospices de Beaune auction – not only through historical ties and charitable tradition, but also thanks to its exceptional wines. The company has participated since 1876, supporting the Hospices when it functioned as a hospital and later contributing to other charitable projects.
Albert Bichot has repeatedly made landmark purchases, including the celebrated Pièce des Présidents, acquired on behalf of the House’s clients. All proceeds from this unique barrel go to medical, social and charitable causes. The Pièce des Présidents – the auction’s most expensive lot, often reaching tens or hundreds of thousands of euros – is promoted with the help of celebrities from film, art and sport. In 2020, for example, a barrel of Clos de la Roche Grand Cru was purchased for €660,000.
Over the past 30 years, Albert Bichot has been the auction’s leading buyer, acquiring around 25% of all lots for clients worldwide. Some particularly coveted barrels are purchased for the House itself – for ageing and later release. Participation in the Hospices de Beaune has become a distinct business direction. In 2009, Albert Bichot revolutionised access to the auction by launching www.hospices-beaune.com, enabling wine lovers around the world to bid online, from a single bottle to an entire barrel.
Maison Albert Bichot is Burgundy’s most influential company and the largest buyer at the auction – a testament to its weight in the region’s wine history.
Domaine du Clos Frantin – tasting Côte de Nuits and Côte de Beaune
Our first visit was to Domaine du Clos Frantin, a picturesque 18th‑century estate in Nuits‑Saint‑Georges, at the heart of the Côte de Nuits. The domaine’s vineyards cover 13.2 hectares, where Pinot Noir performs superbly; 3.9 hectares are classified Premier and Grand Cru.
Organic certification was achieved in 2012, and since the 2018 vintage all wines from the estate are certified organic. The cellars date back to the 16th century – the atmospheric setting where Denis Anjuere guided us through a tasting of Albert Bichot wines from both Côte de Nuits and Côte de Beaune.
Mercurey Les Champs Michaux Domaine Adélie 2024
A rare white Mercurey from the Côte Chalonnaise, grown on a parcel with unusually high clay content and broad limestone bands. Chardonnay was planted here experimentally 65 years ago among Pinot Noir vines – with excellent results. From 20‑year‑old vines now covering 1.2 ha; hand‑harvested; fermented in oak (15–20% new); aged on fine lees. Mineral, rounded, long‑flavoured and gastronomic.
Meursault 2024 Domaine du Pavillon
A Pinot Noir from Meursault – a village famed for its whites – sourced from a 0.33‑ha parcel less than 400 metres from Les Santenots in Volnay. Hand‑harvested, fermented in conical oak vats. Aromas of red berries with violet and rose; a rich, structured palate with a velvety finish.
Gevrey‑Chambertin Les Murots 2023 Domaine du Clos Frantin
Les Murots (1.5 ha) lies at the foot of the slope on limestone‑clay and gravel soils. Hand‑harvested; fermented in conical oak vats; aged 14–16 months in oak (25–35% new). Rich ripe fruit, spice, subtle oak and faint animal notes. Harmonious, balanced, with a silky structure.
Nuits‑Saint‑Georges 1er Cru Château‑Gris Monopole 2023
Pinot Noir from the lower terraces surrounding Château‑Gris (2.55 ha). Hand‑harvested; fermented in conical oak; aged 16–17 months (35–40% new). Red and black berries with rose, violet, peony and refined oak. Structured, fruity, elegant tannins, long finish.
Nuits‑Saint‑Georges Les Terrasses Monopole 2024
A rare white Nuits‑Saint‑Georges – less than 4% of the village’s wines are white. Chardonnay from upper terraces (0.85 ha); hand‑harvested; fermented in oak (25–35% new); aged 14–16 months on lees. Mineral, restrained oak, long finish.
Pommard Clos des Ursulines Monopole 2023 Domaine du Pavillon
This nearly 4‑ha vineyard was once owned by Ursuline nuns. Its southern location near Volnay challenges the stereotype of Pommard as “masculine”. Limestone‑clay soils with white marl; 35–40‑year‑old vines; hand‑harvested; fermented in conical oak; aged 14–16 months (20–30% new). Red and black berries, fig, floral notes, spice and delicate oak. Powerful yet silky, almost “feminine”, with a long velvety finish.
We also thank Denis Anjuere for the rare opportunity to taste two 2025 Pinot Noir samples aged in different barrels – a fascinating study of oak nuance.
Domaine Long‑Depaquit – exceptional Chablis
Our second visit was to the remarkable Domaine Long‑Depaquit in Chablis – a jewel of wine tourism. The estate’s history dates back to the French Revolution, when the Long‑Depaquit family acquired land confiscated from the Cistercian abbey of Pontigny. It became part of Maison Albert Bichot in 1968.
The grounds, with centuries‑old trees and rose gardens, offer a serene setting; the orangery is open year‑round. In 2014, a new eco‑friendly winery was built, which we visited with Denis and the domaine’s winemaker. Modern equipment allows even greater precision and purity.
The domaine’s 52.1 ha of vineyards are farmed sustainably, with controlled yields and minimal intervention. Oak is used sparingly to preserve terroir expression.
We were welcomed with almost royal hospitality – including a VIP tasting with personalised Wine Travel Awards sheets and the aristocratic atmosphere of the historic house bathed in summer light.
Chablis 2023 Domaine Long‑Depaquit
From 28 ha divided into 34 parcels, each vinified separately. Fermented and aged in stainless steel on fine lees for 10–11 months. Citrus and candied lemon with white flowers; refined, lively structure; mineral, saline finish.
Chablis 1er Cru Les Vaillons 2023
From several climats of Vaillons, mainly Epinottes (clay‑rich soils). 90% stainless steel, 10% oak (1–4 years); aged similarly. Complex aromatics: white flowers, citrus, green apple; excellent balance and length.
Chablis 1er Cru Les Vaucopins 2023
A 5.2‑ha climat on the right bank – steep, south‑facing, rich in Kimmeridgian marl, reminiscent of Grand Cru terroir. Hand‑harvested; 85% stainless steel, 15% oak; aged 10 months on lees + 2 months in steel. A model of balance and minerality: 13% alcohol, concentrated fruit, smoke and flint; exceptional length.
Chablis Grand Cru Les Preuses 2023
A tiny 0.25‑ha parcel planted at high density (8500 vines/ha). Fermented and aged 10 months in 500‑L barrels (1–5 years), then 6 months in steel. Elegant mineral nose; pure, harmonious palate with nut and spice notes.
Chablis Grand Cru Moutonne Monopole 2023
A unique 2.35‑ha monopole – 95% in Vaudésirs, 5% in Les Preuses – forming a natural amphitheatre. 75% stainless steel, 25% oak; aged 10 months on lees, then 6 months in steel. Rich, complex aromas of white and yellow fruits (peach, nectarine, apple), citrus and delicate florals. Full, generous palate with pronounced minerality, refined oak and remarkable length.
A note for travellers: all wines from Maison Albert Bichot, along with accessories, can be purchased at the estate shop.
A modern Burgundy icon
Maison Albert Bichot is one of Burgundy’s most successful producers, tactfully combining nearly two centuries of history, a wide geographical spread of vineyards, modern management, a strong commitment to sustainability and cutting‑edge technical expertise. This makes the House compelling for both professionals and wine lovers.
It is clear why Albert Bichot wines – vivid expressions of both modern and classical Burgundy – are so admired across continents.
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