Albert Bichot : Beaune 1er cru "Clos des Mouches" Dom. du Pavillon 2017

Tasting characteristics and advice for the Beaune 1er Cru "Clos des Mouches" Domaine du Pavillon 2017 by Albert Bichot

Tasting

Appearance

A pale yellow hue with crystalline highlights adorns this vintage, reflecting the wine’s youth and the purity of its winemaking.

Nose

The nose reveals remarkable intensity and refined subtlety. Aromas of white flowers, notably lilac and white rose, mingle with notes of honey and toasted bread. A discreet mineral touch adds complexity, while nuances of citrus, white peach and almond emerge with aeration.

Palate

On the palate, this white wine from Burgundy is generous and precise, with a satiny texture that remains elegant despite its concentration. Chalky minerality structures the whole, supported by lively acidity that brings freshness and definition. Flavors of lemon and white peach dominate, accompanied by honeyed notes and a remarkable persistence. The finish, long and harmonious, leaves an impression of pure minerality with hints of pastry and honey.

Food and wine pairings

This Beaune 1er Cru pairs ideally with delicate fish and finely prepared shellfish, as well as with roasted poultry and white meats or those served with a cream sauce. It is a perfect match for roasted John Dory with hazelnuts and chanterelles, langoustines, or Poulet de Bresse with cream and morels.

Serving and cellaring

The Beaune 1er Cru "Clos des Mouches" Domaine du Pavillon 2017 is best enjoyed at a temperature between 12 and 14°C. A short aeration of around 15 minutes helps to fully reveal its aromatic complexity. This wine can be enjoyed now for its fruit or kept until at least 2024.

A Beaune Premier Cru with a mineral character and remarkable elegance

The estate

Founded in 1831 by Bernard Bichot as a wine merchant, Albert Bichot established itself permanently in Beaune in 1912. Now led by Albéric Bichot, the sixth generation of the family, the Maison manages more than 100 hectares spread across six prestigious estates covering the whole of Burgundy, from Chablis to Beaujolais. A pioneer in organic viticulture, it offers some forty organically certified appellations, including five estates fully converted. Its flagships include the Chablis Grand Cru Moutonne Monopole at Domaine Long-Depaquit and parcels in Grands Crus of Côte de Nuits.

The vineyard

Clos des Mouches is among the most prestigious Climats of Beaune, recognized for its exceptional quality long before the official classifications. The Domaine du Pavillon parcel, owned by Albert Bichot and located in Pommard, lies on the upper part of the slope at around 300 meters above sea level, benefiting from an optimal south to south-east exposure. The marl-limestone soils, rich in rocky elements, give the wine its characteristic freshness and distinctive minerality.

The vintage

The 2017 vintage in Burgundy stands out as a particularly favorable sunny year. After a classic winter and a spring marked by high temperatures, summer brought warm, dry conditions with generous sunshine, while avoiding excessive heat. Harvesting took place in late August and early September in dry weather, allowing for optimal grape ripeness. This vintage produced white wines of great aromatic purity, combining concentration and freshness, with a classic balance and a fine expression of terroir.

Winemaking and aging

The grapes for the Beaune 1er Cru "Clos des Mouches" Domaine du Pavillon 2017 are harvested by hand and then gently pressed using a pneumatic press. After light settling, the must is put into French oak barrels from state-owned forests, where alcoholic and malolactic fermentations take place simultaneously. Aging continues for 12 to 18 months in barrels, with a moderate proportion of new oak between 20% and 25%, allowing harmonious integration of the oak without masking the expression of the terroir.

Grape variety

100% Chardonnay.