Wine: Albert Bichot Beaune Clos de l’Ermitage
Country: France
Region: Burgundy
Designation: AOC Beaune
Brand/Producer: Albert Bichot
Grape Varietal: Pinot Noir
ABV: 13.0%
Type: Red
Code: 1763
 
Tasting Notes
The nose is redolent of toasted, smoky notes along with aromas of red fruit that are highly typical of Pinot Noir with a hint of leather and forest undergrowth. The fine, elegant tannins are dense and the structure is very bold. Lovely length with predominant mineral notes due to the terroir.
 
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
The harvest is handpicked and extra care is taken to ensure the grapes are kept cool. Fermentation takes place in conical oak vats. The wine is aged for up to 16 months in oak barrels of which 35% are new oak barrels adding some extra complexity to the wine’s structure


Fun Fact
The House of Albert Bichot has been located at the centre of Beaune, the historic capital of Burgundy wines, for over a century. Beaune is an appellation in its own right that is often underestimated, but that offers many very interesting terroirs producing balanced wines. This is precisely what we are seeking for this Beaune Clos de l’Ermitage, a vineyard located higher up the slope on the Montagne St-Désiré. Here, in calcareous clay soil overlying hard Oxfordian limestone, the Pinot Noir grapes express all of their finesse and precision combined with characteristic minerality.

Food pairing
Ideal wine for fine dishes such as red meat, game, and mild, delicate cheeses.