Albert Bichot : Chablis 1er cru "Les Vaillons" Dom. Long-Depaquit 2024

Characteristics and tasting tips for the Chablis 1er Cru "Les Vaillons" Dom. Long-Depaquit 2024 by Albert Bichot

Tasting

Appearance
The wine reveals a bright, limpid colour, ranging from pale straw to light gold, sometimes tinged with subtle green highlights typical of its youth.

Nose
The bouquet is particularly expressive. It exudes seductive notes of white flowers, such as linden blossom, and fresh fruit, delicately underscored by a hint of almond and very discreet oak.

Palate
The attack reveals a full-bodied, powerful structure. The whole is supported by a lively mineral backbone that gives this wine a perfect balance, extending into a long, harmonious finish with a rounded character.

Food and wine pairings
This great white wine pairs beautifully with fish or seafood, whether grilled or served with a creamy sauce. It also enhances white meats and roasted or creamed poultry. For an ideal pairing, the estate suggests a seafood parcel wrapped in a delicate pastry.

Serving and cellaring
To fully enjoy this wine, it is recommended to serve it at a temperature between 11 and 13°C. It can be enjoyed young, on its fruit, or cellared for ageing until around 2031.

The elegance and minerality of a great Chablis by Albert Bichot

The estate
Founded in 1831 in Monthélie before settling in Beaune, the house of Albert Bichot is an iconic figure of Burgundy. Now led by Albéric Bichot, representing the sixth generation, this family business combines tradition with respect for the environment. The brand shines through an extensive vineyard of over 100 hectares of its own, spread across six prestigious estates, including Domaine Long-Depaquit, acquired in 1968. A pioneer in organic viticulture and renowned for its purchases at the Hospices de Beaune, the house crafts wines that fully express the authenticity of their terroirs.

The vineyard
This wine comes from the Vaillons hillside, located on the left bank of the Serein River at the heart of the Chablis appellation. Its name originates from the Latin vallis, meaning "small valley". The 4.85-hectare vineyard rests on a subsoil of Kimmeridgian marl. It is made from a blend of several plots, including the Climat des Épinottes, characterised by predominantly clay-based surface soils. This topographical diversity brings beautiful complexity to the grapes, borne by vines with an average age of 46 years.

The vintage
2024 was marked by a particularly demanding growing season in the region. The complex climatic conditions of this vegetative cycle required constant attention and rigorous work in the vineyards to guide the berries through to harvest.

Winemaking and ageing
Production begins with hand-harvesting followed by a rigorous sorting of the bunches. Pressing is carried out slowly and at moderate pressure to preserve the purity of the fruit. Alcoholic fermentation and ageing take place on fine lees for ten months: 90% of the volume rests in stainless steel tanks, while the remaining 10% ages in oak barrels between one and five years old. The blend is then assembled and refined for a further two months in stainless steel tanks before bottling.

Grape variety
100% Chardonnay