Albert Bichot : Puligny-Montrachet 1er cru "Folatières" 2023

The Refinement and Richness of a Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru from the Climat Les Folatières

The Estate

Founded in 1831 by Bernard Bichot in Monthélie, Albert Bichot is today one of the great négociant-éleveur houses of Burgundy, based in Beaune since 1912. Spread across six domaines covering the region from north to south, including one in the Côte de Beaune, it is run by Albéric Bichot, representing the sixth generation of the family. The house combines estate-owned vineyards with demanding relationships with partner growers, in an approach built on sustainable viticulture and rigorous quality control of the grapes.

The Vineyard

This Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru "Folatières" comes from a renowned climat of the Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru appellation, located mid-slope, close to the neighbouring parcels of Leflaive and Leroy. The terroir combines soils that are part limestone, part clay, on a stony, nutrient-poor site with a gentle slope, conducive to a pronounced mineral expression. The name "Folatières" is thought to derive from the old term "Foletière", evoking the follets, light-hearted spirits from popular legend, often associated with the grace and finesse of the wines from this climat.

The Vintage

The 2023 vintage in Puligny-Montrachet was marked by above-average seasonal temperatures and a pronounced water deficit, together with sustained disease pressure on the vines. The harvest nevertheless proved generous, allowing the teams to carry out a rigorous sorting of the grapes before they entered the cellar.

Winemaking and Ageing

As with all the cuvées produced by the house, this Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru "Folatières" 2023 benefits from a winemaking approach designed to respect the identity of its original terroir as closely as possible. The wine is transferred by gravity to the cellars, where it is aged in oak barrels for 12 to 18 months, using a selection of woods of varied origins and toasting levels to achieve a discreet oak influence, elegantly integrated.

Grape Variety

This Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru "Folatières" 2023 by Albert Bichot is made from Chardonnay.