Albert Bichot : Grands-Echezeaux Grand Cru Dom. du Clos Frantin 2018

Characteristics and tasting advice for the Grands-Echezeaux Grand Cru 2018 – Domaine du Clos Frantin by Albert Bichot

Nose
The bouquet opens with a beautiful aromatic intensity, revealing refined scents of red fruits and stone fruits. These aromas are subtly enhanced by spicy touches that bring depth and elegance to the whole.

Palate
The attack is broad and structured, marked by a perfect balance between power and finesse. The tannins, present but melted, harmoniously integrate into a discreet and delicate woody frame. The finish, long and persistent, leaves a silky sensation enhanced by a note of dark chocolate, a distinctive signature of this grand cru.

Food and wine pairings

This exceptional grand cru ideally pairs with finely prepared red meats – beef fillet, veal chop – but also with game, whether it is stewed in a civet, marinated or simply roasted. Thanks to its structure and complexity, it also accompanies a wide range of mature cheeses.

Service and aging

To be served between 16 and 17°C. Aeration in a decanter for about an hour will allow the wine to express all its aromatic richness. This Grands-Echezeaux has excellent aging potential: it can be kept until 2028, or even longer if storage conditions are optimal.

The depth and aromatic elegance of a great red wine from Burgundy

The property

Founded in 1831 by Bernard Bichot, the Albert Bichot house is an emblematic player in Burgundy viticulture, with family roots dating back to the 13th century. Today led by Albéric Bichot, representing the sixth generation, the house operates 100 hectares of vineyards spread over six domains, from Chablis to Beaujolais. Both producer and trader, Albert Bichot stands out for its pioneering commitment to organic viticulture and its ability to reveal the authenticity of terroirs with finesse and precision.

The vineyard

The Grands-Echezeaux Grand Cru from Domaine du Clos Frantin comes from a small 0.25 hectare plot named "Champs Traversins", located in Flagey-Echezeaux. Facing east and perched at 300 meters altitude, this plot benefits from a unique terroir, composed of brown limestone soils rich in pebbles, giving the wine its minerality and complexity. The vines, averaging 35 years old, deeply root into this demanding soil, drawing all the richness from the subsoil.

Vinification and aging

The harvest is carried out manually to ensure a rigorous selection of berries. Fermentation takes place in thermoregulated oak conical vats, promoting a precise extraction of aromas and tannins. The maceration, which lasts between 20 and 28 days, is followed by an aging of 16 to 18 months in oak barrels, of which 50 to 70% are new. This meticulous aging gives the wine a beautiful structure and additional complexity.

Grape variety

This grand cru is made 100% from Pinot Noir, the emblematic grape variety of Burgundy, here sublimated by an exceptional terroir and ancestral know-how.