Albert Bichot : Chablis Grand cru "Les Clos" Dom. Long-Depaquit 2023

Characteristics and tasting tips for Chablis Grand Cru "Les Clos" Domaine Long-Depaquit 2023 by Albert Bichot

Tasting

Nose
The nose reveals beautiful aromatic complexity, combining delicate floral notes from the parcel situated at the top of the slope with dried fruit aromas, particularly toasted almonds and hazelnuts, from the mid-slope parcel.

Palate
The palate stands out for its richness and power, supported by a lively line of acidity that brings balance and elegance. Altogether it reveals a character that is both full-bodied and structured, with pleasant acidity that imparts freshness and tension without ever dominating the palate.

Food and wine pairings

This Chablis Grand Cru is an ideal match for fine fish and delicately prepared shellfish such as lobster or spiny lobster. It also pairs perfectly with poultry and white meats, whether roasted or served with sauce. The estate particularly suggests a fillet of pike-perch with beurre blanc. Lightly spiced dishes also make an interesting pairing.

Serving and cellaring

This wine is best enjoyed at a temperature between 12 and 14°C, and has cellaring potential until around 2038.

A Chablis Grand Cru combining power and finesse

The estate

Founded in 1831 in Monthélie by Bernard Bichot, Maison Albert Bichot embodies nearly two centuries of excellence in Bourgogne. Now run by Albéric Bichot, the sixth generation of the family, this independent Maison manages 100 hectares spread over six estates in Bourgogne. Recognized among the great traditional Burgundian négociants, Albert Bichot has converted to organic farming and practices non-interventionist winemaking. The Maison produces a wide range of wines, representing one of the largest collections of Grands Crus de Bourgogne.

The vineyard

Domaine Long-Depaquit owns 1.54 hectares within the Les Clos climat, the largest Grand Cru of Chablis. This privilege makes it possible to blend two complementary parcels. The first, located at the top of the slope on stony, limestone soils with a south-west exposure, produces straight, fresh, taut wines. The second, situated mid-slope where the soils are deeper and the temperatures slightly higher, yields generous, rich, rounded wines. The terroir is based on Kimmeridgian clay and limestone, with very hard, sometimes ochre-colored marls. The vines have an average age of 37 years.

Winemaking and aging

Harvesting is done by hand with rigorous sorting of the grapes. A slow, gentle pressing preserves the integrity of the fruit. Alcoholic fermentation and aging on fine lees for this white vin de Bourgogne take place 65% in stainless steel vats and 35% in 1- to 5-year-old oak barrels for 10 months. Final aging lasts 6 months in stainless steel vats.

Grape variety

100% Chardonnay.