Albert Bichot Fleurie La Madone

Maison Albert Bichot was established in Beaune in 1831 by Bernard Bichot, grandfather of the first of a line of Albert Bichots.

The current managing director is Alberic Bichot (born 1964) who has revitalised the business which is now based around a series of domaines: Long-Depaquit in Chablis, Clos Frantin for the Côte de Nuits, du Pavillon for the Côte de Beaune and Domaine d’Adélie for Mercurey. Wines with one or other of these denominations will be from their own vineyards, while wines just bearing the name Albert Bichot will be from purchased grapes.

The company has separate vinification centres in Chablis, Pommard, Nuits-St-Georges and Beaune itself. Lupé-Cholet is an associated marque. Christophe Chavel has been looking after the vineyards since 2000, ensuring that they are all ploughed and no fertilisers are used. Alain Serveau, originally from a domaine in Morey-St-Denis, is technical director. Fermentation takes place in wooden vats of varying sizes depending on the specific plot of vines in question, using natural yeasts. Maturation is in oak barrels without too much new wood: 20 to 30 per cent for village wines, from 50 to 100 per cent forgrands crus.

Bichot is now a serious player with some excellent red wines which avoid showing too much of a house style, and some fine whites.

The plot is planted on the hill of Fleurie, at the foot of the historic Chapel of the Madonna, which gave this Climat its name. It is considered to be one of the most celebrated of all the Beaujolais wines.

Soils are pink granitic soil containing piedmont alluvium. Grapes are hand picked before fermentation is in stainless steel over 9-12 days. Ageing is in steel tank for 8-9 months.

The elegant nose is both floral and fruity (strawberry, raspberry) with a slight note of nutmeg and a discrete hint of minerality. The palate is full bodied and fleshy, with slightly tangy fruit and perfect balance. The finish is long and intensely fragrant.