Chateau de Dracy Bourgogne Pinot Noir

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

Built in 1298 as a military fortress under the Duchy of Burgundy, the Château has undergone major transformations over the centuries. The winery and cellar, a 75-metre long structure built in 1728, are particularly remarkable and are still operational to this day. A perfect example of partnership, Château de Dracy's wines have been distributed by Albert Bichot since 1905.

The vines are located in the region of Couchois, in the northern part of the Saône et Loire department, in the continuity of the Côte de Beaune.

Fermentation is in stainless steel with 20% of the wine ageing in oak barrels.

Fresh, fine nose redolent of red and black fruit (raspberry, blackcurrant…) underpinned by subtle toasted undertones. This supple, delectable wine is balanced by a structure that features bold yet soft tannins. Lovely fruity finish with hints of liquorice.