Wine Along The 101
  • Home
  • Articles
    • 2023 Articles >
      • Robert Hall Winery, Evolving Their Wines Toward a Regenerative Future
      • Great Wine Is Headed Your Way, the Spring Portfolio Tasting of Golden State Wine Co Reveals Many Treasures
      • Simply Italian Great Wines US Tour 2022, A Brief Look at the Complex World of Italian Wine
      • A Night of Sicilian Wine, Spotlighting Cambria and Madaudo Wineries
      • Yealands Wines, “Think Boldly, Tread Lightly”, Leading the World Toward Sustainable Winemaking
    • 2022 Articles >
      • Further Defining the Single Vineyard Cru Wines of Barolo and Barbaresco, the Rise of the MGA
      • The Barolo Cru Wines of Beni di Batasiolo
      • Pyros Wines Sparks World-Class Malbec
      • AlloraVino Imports, a Love Affair with Italian Wine
      • Maisons Marques & Domaines Wine Portfolio: Prestige, Glamour and Good Taste for the Holidays
      • The Original Balsamic Vinegar of Modena PGI, a Condiment and a Culture
      • Rocca delle Macìe, Taking Chianti Classico to New Heights
      • Alluring and Iconic, The World of Chianti Wines
      • Paso Robles Weaves a Thrilling Tapestry of World-Class Wine
      • LXV Wines, The Spice of Paso Robles
      • The Mouthwatering Sauvignon Blancs of Chile
      • The Wines of Portugal, Discover a World of Difference
      • Domaines Albert Bichot, An Exceptional Approach to Burgundian Wine
      • The Wines of Abruzzo Undergo a Renaissance of Quality
      • Ketcham Estate, Exceptional Wines From The Heart of the Russian River Valley
      • La Rioja Alta, S.A., Innovation and Tradition That Stands the Test of Time
      • Vega Sicilia Celebrates 40 Years of Winemaking Excellence
      • Planeta of Sicily Embraces the Past While Reaching For the Future
      • The Spirit of Renaissance is Alive and Well in “South of Somewhere”
      • Gambero Rosso Returns to LA, With the Best of Italian Wines
      • Falanghina and Aglianico del Taburno, Sannio's Ancient Wine Stars
      • Tablas Creek Vineyard Embraces Regenerative Organic Farming
    • 2021 Articles >
      • Make Merry With Domaine Bousquet Sparkling Wines
      • Discover These Enchanting Italian Wines, From the Fog of Piedmont to the Island Breezes of Sardinia
      • Rodney Strong Vineyards and Winery, Revitalizing an Iconic Brand
      • Thanksgiving Tips for the Best Wine and Food Pairing
      • Escape to Paso Robles, a Wine Country Oasis
      • Escape to Paso Robles, a Wonderland of Wine
      • Smith-Madrone Wines, a Napa Valley Pioneer Celebrates Fifty Years of Excellence
      • Oregon’s Willamette Valley, the Land of Pinot Noir
      • Irvine & Roberts Vineyards, Exceptional Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from Southern Oregon
      • BARRA of Mendocino Wines, an Original Organic Wine Play
      • The Opulent and Thrilling Wines of Denner Vineyards
      • L’Ecole No. 41, Expressive Wines That Pass the Test of Time With Flying Colors
      • France's Loire Valley, a Fairytale Land of Storybook Castles and Magical Wines
      • Craft Wine, Shining the Spotlight on America’s Small Wine Producers
    • 2020 Articles >
      • Margerum Wine Company, the Nexus of Sublime Santa Barbara County Wines
      • Catena Zapata, Malbec on High
      • Long Meadow Ranch, the Circle of Life in a Glass of Wine
      • Fontanafredda Barolo Forges a New Future
      • Bordeaux Wine 2017, Surprises in a Challenging Vintage
    • 2019 Articles >
      • The Rising Wine Country of Southern Oregon's Rogue Valley
      • Discover Ashland and the Rogue Valley, Southern Oregon's Serenade to the Good Life
      • Napa Valley Grille, New Fall Menu Paired with European Wines
      • Embrace Your Wine Geek with PRIE Winery & Vineyards
      • Castello di Albola, Chianti Classico on High
      • Nicolas-Jay Wines, the Journey of a Lifetime
      • The Expanding Complexity of New Zealand Wine
      • Prosecco DOC, Splendor in the Glass
      • On the Oregon Wine Trail
      • Albariño and Rioja Star in Spain’s Great Match
      • Exciting and Eclectic, the Wines of Alentejo
      • Blaufränkisch Propels the Red Wines of Austria Into the Spotlight
      • Fascinating Greek Wines of the Cava Spiliadis Collection
      • Revolution In Rioja Wine
    • 2018 Articles >
      • Temecula Valley Celebrates 50 Years of Winemaking
      • The Stellar Wines of Sardinia
      • Italian Wines Prescribed by Doctor Wine
      • The Alluring Wines of Tunisia
      • Gambero Rosso’s Top Italian Wines for 2018
      • Velenosi Wines, From Le Marche to the World
      • Sauvignon Blanc, a Rising Star in Napa Valley
      • Frank Family Vineyards Celebrates 25 Years
      • Markus Wine Co., Sleek New Red Wines Up the Ante for Lodi Reds
      • Lodi Wine, Over 100 Varieties Strong
      • Ramona Valley Wine Country, an Up and Coming Wine Region
      • Hertelendy Vineyards, the Pursuit of Excellence
      • Napa Valley Wine, Nirvana in a Bottle
      • Wine Stroll: Explore Downtown Paso Robles Wineries
      • The Beautiful Shades of Lodi Rosé Wines
      • Doubling Down on Gold Medal Wines: The San Francisco International Wine Competition
      • The Exotic Wines of Lebanon
      • Australian Wines, Rediscover the New Frontier
      • New Zealand Wines, Expanding beyond Sauvignon Blanc
      • Visit France in 2018, a Feast of Food, Wine, Culture and History
      • Bordeaux Wine 2015, A Very Good Year
      • Portugal's Treasure Chest of Wines
      • Livermore Valley, California’s Original Wine Country Reborn
      • Concannon and Wente Vineyards, California’s Pioneers of Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay
      • Livermore Valley Wine Country, the Future Looks Bright
    • 2017 Articles >
      • Viña Ardanza Rioja Turns 75, an Enchanting Wine Gets Even Better
      • The VIP Sparkle of Prosecco Superiore
      • Lodi Wine Country, Seriously Good Wine From A to Z
      • Lodi Wine Country, Old Vines and Great Wines
      • Lodi Wine Country, Winegrowers and Winemakers Focused on the Future
      • Lugana White Wine, Better With Age
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip to LA
      • Sweetzer Cellars, a Life Changing Journey of Wine
      • Lugana and Valpolicella, the Yin and Yang of the Veneto
      • Three R’s of Summer Wine, Rosé, Riesling, and Ramato
      • Familia Martínez Bujanda, Wines Without Borders
      • Codorníu Cava, the Ars and Anna Collection
      • New and Exciting Wines from the 2017 Santa Barbara Vintners Spring Weekend Celebration
      • Sensual Delights on Display at Savor Italy Los Angeles
      • Pizza and Franco Pepe, Italy’s Best Comes to LA
      • Montes Wines, Wisdom in Wine From Father to Son
      • Passionate Pinot Noir Lovers Unite at the 2017 World of Pinot
      • Vignalta, Wines of the Highest Order
      • Santa Lucia Highlands Sensational Wines
      • Gambero Rosso’s Top Italian Wines for 2017
      • Law Estate Wines: Quality by Design
      • Taittinger and Calvisius: Champagne and Caviar Dreams
      • Riding High on American Rhone Wines, The Rhone Rangers LA Tasting
      • Discover Monterey Wine Country, wine and so much more
      • Wines of Portugal, the Perfect Dinner Companion
      • Gruet's Enchanting Sparkling Wines
    • 2016 Articles >
      • The Art of Italian Living, SoCal Style
      • Wines of Alsace: Perfect for the Holidays
      • Oso Libre Winery; Vines, Wines, and Angus Beef
      • Best Wines for Thanksgiving
      • Simply Italian Great Wines US Tour Sweeps Through Los Angeles
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip: Chardonnay
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip: Pinot Noir
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip: Rhône Varietals
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip: Bordeaux Varietals
      • Achaval-Ferrer, Exceptional Wines from Argentina
      • Celebration of Harvest Grand Tasting 2016 Highlights
      • The Celebrity Sparkle of Ferrari Trento Wines
      • Santa Barbara Wine Country’s Celebration of Harvest 2016
      • The Garagiste Festival, Off the Beaten Path Wines
      • Explore SLO Wine Country, Central California’s Hidden Gem
      • Byron Winery, The Grand Pinot Noir Experiment
      • Crocker & Starr Wines, Organically Elegant
      • Escape to Santa Maria Wine Country
      • The Elegant White Wines of Domäne Wachau
      • Champagne Palmer: The New Champagne on the Block
      • Holman Ranch & Vineyards: Making Memories & Wine at Romantic California Hideaway
      • Luminous Wines of France's Loire Valley
    • Examiner.com Articles >
      • Alma Rosa Winery & Vineyards: Wines Without Compromise
      • All Stars of Pinot Noir Rock the 2016 World of Pinot
      • Ampelos Wines' Biodynamic Brilliance
      • Artisan Uprising: Blood Into Wine
      • Bodegas Beronia Rioja: The Magic of Oak
      • Crawford Family Wines: Unlocking Varietal Flavor
      • Dolin Malibu Estate Vineyards' Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs Shine Bright
      • Hahn Family Wines: Santa Lucia Highlands' Sweet Spot
      • Kimmel Vineyards: Good Wine Flows from Challenging Times
      • Larner Vineyard: Sweet Spot for Syrah and Grenache
      • LOCA for Lodi Wine
      • Lompoc Wine Ghetto
      • Sanford Winery & Vineyards, Delicious Wines That Tell a Tale
      • The Diverse and Divine Wines of Santa Barbara County
      • Santa Barbara Urban Wine Trail
      • The Stellar Wines of California's Sta. Rita Hills
      • Skinner Vineyards, Destiny and Determination
      • Wines of Portugal, The Art of the Blend
  • Wine Reviews
    • La Rioja Alta, S.A. Viña Ardanza Reserva 2016, An Elegant Vintage for an Iconic Wine
    • ETTORE Wines from Mendocino, With An Organic Focus
    • Two Excellent Value Broquel Label Wines From Argentina’s Trapiche Winery
    • The Dynamic Lavico Etna Wines of Duca di Salaparuta
    • The Sangiovese Stars of San Felice Wines
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. 2021 Sauvignon Blanc, in Can and Bottle
    • Coen Malbec Reserve 2019, a New World Wine with Old World Sensibilities
    • Sangre de Toro Rosé, A Light and Bright Summer Thirst Quencher
    • Summer and Sauvignon Blanc, Lucky Rock Wine Co. Style
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. County Cuvée Pinot Noir 2019
    • Monte Velho, Fascinating Wines and Value-Priced
    • Grassl Glasses Add Depth to Wine Enjoyment
    • Domaine Bousquet Sparkling Rosé Brut Makes Everyday a Holiday
    • Festive Ferrari Trento Sparkling Wines For All Occasions
    • Bodegas CARO, the Best of Both Worlds
    • Kosher Wines For the Jewish High Holidays Are Highly Recommended Anytime of Year
    • Oak Farm Vineyards, a Rainbow of Delicious Lodi Wines
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. Sauvignon Blanc 2019
    • Ron Rubin Wines, The Dream Series
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. County Cuvée Pinot Noir 2018
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. Sauvignon Blanc 2018
    • Crus Bourgeois Bordeaux, Expressive Wines at Everyday Prices
    • Légende Collection of Bordeaux Wines
    • Five Contemporary California Wines To Try
    • Alternative Sparkling Wines For a Celebration
    • A Toast to Prosecco Superiore
    • Celebrate with this Pair of Spanish Red Wines
    • A Quartet of Summer Red Wines
    • Spanish Albariño, a Wine For All Seasons
    • Ciù Ciù Wines, Quality That Shines Through
    • A Trio of Red Wines for Holiday Merrymaking
    • Terre de la Custodia Montefalco Rosso 2012
    • The Sultry Arnaldo Caprai Collepiano Montefalco Sagrantino
    • Pop the Cork on Charles Heidsieck Champagne and Bisol Prosecco
    • Garnacha Wines from DOP Cariñena, Beautiful Bang for the Buck
    • A Pair of Greek Wines for a Spring Feast
    • A Dynamic Duo of Sassy Spanish White Wines
    • Anderra Carménere
    • Artesa Chardonnay/Pinot Noir
    • Avignonesi Grandi Annate
    • Château Saint-Maur Rosé
    • La Miranda de Secastilla, Old Vine Garnacha Gems
    • Intriguing Israeli Wines
    • Leviathan
    • Domaines Paul Mas Wines Trio
    • Nobilo Sauvignon Blanc, intensely refreshing and delicious
    • Perticaia Trebbiano Spoletino
    • Stay Cool With These Two Charming White Wines
  • Events
    • Garagiste Wine Festival: Urban Exposure 2022 Highlights Hidden California Wine Gems
    • Temecula Valley Balloon & Wine Festival 2019
    • World of Pinot Noir 2019, A Magical Mystery Tour
    • Journey to Planet Pinot at the 2018 World of Pinot Noir
    • Great Wines of Italy Comes to LA
    • Wine Along the Beach at Garagiste Wine Festival 2017
    • Santa Barbara Vintners Spring Weekend Celebration 2017
    • Orbit the World of Pinot Noir at the 2017 World of Pinot
    • Rhone Rangers Los Angeles 2016
  • Wine Travel
  • Videos
    • Celebration of Harvest
    • Feliz Noche Wines
    • Terravant Custom Crush
    • Que Syrah, Shiraz!
    • Paso Robles Wine Festival
    • L'Aventure Syrah Harvest
    • Clos Pepe's Prince of Pinot
  • Photos
  • Who We Are
    • About Patricia Decker
    • About Fabian Rodriguez
Picture
Domaines Albert Bichot's "Clos des Ursulines" monopole vineyard plot at Domaine du Pavillon, Courtesy of Domaines Albert Bichot
Picture
Chardonnay grapes, Courtesy of Domaines Albert Bichot
Picture
Pinot Noir grapes, Courtesy of Domaines Albert Bichot
The mystique of Burgundy has captured wine lovers for decades on so many levels.  Starting with the delicate interplay of terroir which makes its signature grapes, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, most susceptible to Mother Nature’s whims and a winemaker’s touch.  Almost two thousand years of history and tradition that has led to the indelible, inescapable fragrance and flavor of the sum of all parts, mostly in these single varietal wines that express the purity of the grape.  And that seemingly rarefied air, that these wines are special, almost mystical for their subtle yet distinctive personality.
Picture
Harvest at Château-Gris, Courtesy of Domaines Albert Bichot
Picture
The wine map of Bourgogne, Courtesy of Beaune Tourism
Burgundy, known as Bourgogne, seems intimidating to the average wine lover, so many regions and so much to know.  Overall, Bourgogne is so well-defined, that a vine three feet away from another, can produce a different perception of that same grape.  The wine region of Bourgogne is like a finger, stretching about 140 miles from north to south, and 1-20 miles in width.  Over 70,000 acres of vines are criss-crossed with 100 AOCs, all on track to produce very good or great wines.  The individual vineyard plots are known as climats, defined by their geology and climate, but mostly their unique sensory signature.  This purity and identity is protected from too much human intervention by French wine law.  The world of Burgundian wine can be complex, it is often said that one can study and taste Burgundian wines for their entire life, and still not know and comprehend all of it.  But that shouldn’t interfere with savoring these amazing wines, that channel the Old World yet speak to the New.
Picture
Sixth generation wine producer Albéric Bichot, Courtesy of Domaines Albert Bichot
Picture
Cabotte Clos des Mouche, Courtesy of Domaines Albert Bichot
Picture
Gentle on the land farming techniques, Courtesy of Domaines Albert Bichot
Picture
The cellars at Domaine Long-Depaquit, Courtesy of Domaines Albert Bichot
Domaines Albert Bichot is a major family-owned producer in Bourgogne.  Although it was officially founded in 1831, the Bichot family presence in Bourgogne goes back hundreds of years to 1350.  Initially a wine trading business, the Bichot family slowly expanded into producing and exporting their own wines, until today’s patriarch, Albéric took over thirty years ago.  Bichot, a 6th generation owner, is focused on the future, farming sustainable and converting to organic viticulture where possible, adding new vineyard estates, expanding their production capabilities in making and ageing the wines, and increasing their presence around the world.  Today the map of Domaines Albert Bichot encompasses 250 acres, from Chablis to Beaujolais, composed of six estates.  Bichot is one of the largest Grand Cru producers in Burgundy and also a négociant, purchasing grapes from other growers to fill their growing demand for wine.  Albert Bichot produces wine from every major region in Bourgogne, except for the Mâconnais.
Picture
Matthieu Mangenot, Assistant Technical Director of Domaines Albert Bichot
​Matthieu Mangenot, the Assistant Technical Director of Albert Bichot, recently came to Los Angeles, to share their story and wines with a small group of wine writers at Restaurant Lulu within the Hammer Museum.  Mangenot joined Albert Bichot in 2007, his expertise in soil management and crop production plus an affinity for the science of making wine placed him squarely as the manager of their Chablis estate, Domaine Long-Depaquit.  Here, his comprehensive approach allowed the grapes to shine, without winemaker intervention.  Mangenot took a larger role in 2018 as Assistant Technical Director at Bichot’s home office in Beaune, overlooking the bigger picture for the other estates, and making sure that the transition to sustainable and organic continues smoothly.
Picture
The Chablis vineyards of Domaine Long-Depaquit, Courtesy of Domaines Albert Bichot
Picture
Domaine du Clos Frantin, Courtesy of Domaines Albert Bichot
Picture
Château-Gris, Courtesy of Domaines Albert Bichot
Picture
Domaine du Pavillon, Courtesy of Domaines Albert Bichot
Picture
Domaine Adélie, Courtesy of Domaines Albert Bichot
Picture
Domaine de Rochegrés, Courtesy of Domaines Albert Bichot
Each of the six estates have their own vineyard teams and winery, where the wines are vinified and aged.  Domaine Long-Depaquit produces Grand Cru, Premier Cru, and Village Chablis, elegant and mineral Chardonnay wines.  Domaine du Clos Frantin crafts Grand Cru, Premier Cru, and Village Pinot Noir organic wines in Nuits-Saint-Georges.  Château-Gris cultivates Pinot Noir and Chardonnay Premier Cru and Village organic wines within terraced vineyards in Nuits-Saint-Georges.  Domaine du Pavillon fashions Chardonnay and Pinot Noir into Grand Cru, Premier Cru and Village organic wines within a walled estate.  Domaine Adélie makes red and white wines, Premier Cru and Village in Mercurey.  Domaine de Rochegrés produces fleshy red wines with floral aromas from Moulin-à-Vent.  The Bichot house style, if you can call it that, for all these wines requires (1) the terroir is represented (2) purity and a bright fruit profile (3) silky tannins (4) ability to age and (5) balanced wines that can be easily enjoyed relatively early.
Picture
Picture
Picture
Matthieu Mangenot of Domaines Albert Bichot
Mangenot brought seven wines to lunch, representing a good sampling of the estates offerings.  We started with the Albert Bichot Crémant de Bourgogne Brut Réserve (SRP $32), a blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, which is aged individually for 9 months in stainless steel tanks, then rested on its lees for at least one year.  Reserve wines are added (15%) and the wine is matured in bottle for another 18-20 months.  This is so delicious, tiny bubbles danced atop aromas of citrus and white flowers, with a whiff of tropical essence, so vivacious and elegant.
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Next up, three wines with the first course, two Chablis and one Meursault, all 100% Chardonnay, served alongside a Green Pea Spread on Toast and a Leek and Green Garlic soup.  The Albert Bichot Chablis Domaine Long-Depaquit 2020 (SRP $25) expressed beautiful aromas of pear, apple and citrus alongside white flowers and flint.  Zesty, with a richness due to the warmer vintage, notes of almond and a saline quality, almost a hint of iodine (in a good way!) accompany the refreshing finish.  The Albert Bichot Chablis Premier Cru “Montmains” Domaine Long-Depaquit 2020 (SRP $73) yields similar aromas, with a more pronounced toasted almond essence. It’s more ripe and concentrated since it was the last pick of the harvest, aged in neutral oak to accentuate the minerality.  Both of these Chablis wines are elegant and complex, due to Domaine Long-Depaquit’s mosaic of terroir.
The Albert Bichot Meursault Premier Cru “Les Charmes” Domaine du Pavillon 2020 (SRP $190) is a rich wine, with lots of character, structure and acidity.  Rich and round, smooth and velvety on the palate, ripe citrus, almond, white flowers and freshly baked bread aromas are woven into a long and textured finish.  What is unique about this wine is it comes from a vineyard plot that lies above two different soil types, so it produces a particularly complex wine.  On one side, a more opulent and generous character is revealed while still retaining a mineral and chiseled focus
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Albert Bichot Pommard "Clos des Ursulines" is a Monopole wine from Domaine du Pavillon
For the second course, three red wines were served, two Pinot Noirs and a Gamay, alongside the Pan-seared Baja Sea Bass with New Potatoes, Asparagus, Green Olive Salsa and Aioli.  The Albert Bichot Pommard “Clos des Ursulines” Monopole Domaine du Pavillon 2018 (SRP $78) is a softer, more feminine style of Pinot Noir from this region of Pommard.  The Monopole designation means that the “Clos des Ursulines” appellation, all 9.2 acres, is controlled exclusively by Albert Bichot.  With a fruity nose of cherry, blackcurrent and fig, this round wine is structured yet subtle, elegant with ripe tannins, and a silky richness that leads to a velvety finish.  According to the tasting notes, the aromas will evolve towards coffee and leather as the wine ages.
Picture
​The Albert Bichot Gevrey-Chambertin 2017 (SRP $85) is a more robust wine, supple and concentrated, fleshy with dark cherry, raspberry and plum fruit, accented by notes of spice, forest floor and dried rose petals.  Zesty and complex, it has a solid tannic core but remains velvety and well balanced, with a long finish.  Wines that come from Gevvrey-Chambertin are often referred to as an "Iron Fist in a Velvet Glove", because of their power and finesse, and are some of the most coveted in Bourgogne.
Picture
​The Albert Bichot Moulin-Á-Vent Domaine de Rochegrés 2019 (SRP $29) is 100% Gamay, perfumed with aromas of roses and ripe red fruit that swirl expressively from a rich, mineral and structured palate.  This is a well balanced wine, fleshy with a delicate edge, finishing on a long spicy note.
Picture
Matthieu Mangenot of Domaines Albert Bichot
Mangenot spoke about the learning curve and challenges of producing wine in Bourgogne.
Picture
​Domaines Albert Bichot is producing wines for the future, transitioning to organic, and working to preserve each vineyard plot’s identity.  It is precise work, hand harvesting the vines, careful handling of the grapes during the winemaking process, and ageing the wines in oak without overpowering them, but well worth it.  The essence of each Burgundian village is captured in the bottle, a snapshot of the vintage year in liquid form.  Albert Bichot’s mantra, “Every vintage is a challenge; each wine is a unique story, a terroir to be revealed, a gem.”  Beautifully balanced, distinctive wines, delicious by the glass but especially wonderful with food, Albert Bichot's wines are well-priced and widely available.