Wine: Albert Bichot Fleurie La Madone
Country: France
Region: Beaujolais
Designation: AOC Beaujolais Villages
Brand/Producer: Albert Bichot
Grape Varietal: Gamay
ABV: 14%
Type: Red
Code: 1766
 
Tasting Notes
The nose is floral and fruity, with scents of iris, carnation and raspberry along with a touch of nutmeg and discrete minerality. The palate is full and fleshy, fruity and precise boasting overall harmonious balance. The finish is long and flavourful with the same fruitiness as perceived on the nose.

Producer
Since 1350, the Bichot family has called Burgundy home. But, it was in 1831 that Bernard Bichot founded a merchant house bearing his name in Monthélie, in Beaune. At the end of the 19th century, his grandson Albert Bichot took the family business into a new direction and created the winery, Maison Albert Bichot as we know it. The family heritage has been perpetuated from father to son since then. The family crest, consisting of a deer and antlers, has been synonymous with the winery since its inception.

Since 1996, Albéric Bichot has represented the 6th generation managing the winery. The winery’s mission is to utilize the best fruit possible to create the best wine and best expression of terroir. In the constant pursuit of accomplishing this mission, Albert Bichot now owns 6 Domaines set at the heart of 5 great viticultural regions that make up Burgundy: Chablis, Cote de Nuits, Cote de Beaune, Cote Chalonnaise, and Beaujolais. Each estate consists of vineyards cultivated with sustainable practices, as well as facilities, cellars and dedicated winemaking teams devoted to wines of that Domaine and region.

Winemaking
After vinification in temperature conical oak vats, the wine is aged in vats for up to 9 months.

Fun Fact
Located at the northern edge of the Rhône department, bordering the Sâone-et-Loire department, the Fleurie appellation is surrounded by Moulin-à -Vent to the north, Morgon to the south and Chiroubles to the west. Also known as "Queen of Beaujolais", Fleurie’s wines are considered to be the most "feminine" of the Beaujolais appellation. The La Madone vineyard plot lies at the foot of the historical chapel of the Madonna on the Montagne de Fleurie, after which the appellation was named. It is the one of the most reputed wines in the Beaujolais.

Food pairing
To fully appreciate the full fruitiness of this Fleurie, try it as an aperitif with cold cuts. When pairing it with food, red meat is a good choice.