“There’s nothing better than a Chablis,” you may have heard someone say, and it is true that it can be hard to find a Chardonnay that is more “Chardonnay” than those found in the Burgundy region of Chablis. Perhaps it is the rich history of winemaking, along with the mysteries of terroir that add to the allure of the wines from this infamous area, but it is the quality wine coming from prestigious producers that perpetuates the reputation of the best.
The Albert Bichot 2015 Chablis Grand Cru “Les Clos” from Domaine Long-Depaquit is no exception to the Chablis prestige rule. This Grand Cru Chablis wine from the Les Clos vineyard, which is the biggest of the Chablis Grand Cru vineyards by surface area, is a fascinating Chardonnay.
Far from the oak-dominated Chards of California, this crisp, smooth-drinking wine tempts with a touch of honey in the palate held up by strong acidity and a subtle hint of spice. Everything about this wine says “strong silent type” as its aromas and flavors of pear, apple, and lemon zest fill your senses with elegance and ease. There’s nothing overpowering or overdone; each segment of structure slips into its place giving the consumer a well-rounded, enjoyable tasting experience.
And that, my friends, is Chablis!
Albert Bichot
The Albert Bichot story dates back to 1350 when the first members of the Bichot family settled into Burgundy. Although, it was not until 1831 that the family entered the wine business when Bernard Bichot founded a wine trading company, and subsequently, his son, Hippolyte, bought the first family vines in Volnay. The third-generation of the Bichot wine family, Albert, settled into Beaune in the late 19th century and gave the company new life in the region. From this point on, there was no turning back, as the Bichot family had created a niche for themselves in the wine industry of Burgundy.
In modern times, it is Albéric Bichot who is running the show. He is a forward-facing leader who respects and supports his family traditions in winemaking, but he also understands that adapting to the changing currents in consumerism and trade will ultimately keep the business successful. Now, the family vineyards total six estates that span across Burgundy from north to south, with the estate of Domaine Long-Depaquit, where this bottle of Chablis was born, located in the heart of the village of Chablis in Burgundy’s Yonne Department.
Perhaps something that sets this family winemaking business apart is its dedication to the success of the Burgundy community and enduring legend through support of the arts. From literature and writers to a music and wine festival and the International Thriller Film Festival, the Albert Bichot wine family is there to support it all. They truly understand that the ongoing success of a region depends on the strength of all aspects of commerce, and the more multi-dimensional respect a region demands through the quality of its industries, the better off each one will be on a worldwide stage, which is a very refreshing cross-industry support mindset that should be a model for others.
Learn more about Albert Bichot wines on the company website.
History & Wine 
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