2014 Albert Bichot Chambolle-Musigny Les Amoureuses

Maison Albert Bichot is one of Burgundy’s largest and most important negociants. It was founded by Bernard Bichot in 1831 as a wine brokerage and by the early 20th century the maison was exporting throughout Europe and to the U.S. In 1912 it moved its headquarters to Beaune. Today the estate is run by Alberic Bichot, the sixth generation of the founding family. In 2004 Albert Bichot was named “Red Winemaker of the Year” by the International Wine Challenge and in 2011 the maison won the “White Winemaker of the Year” honor from the same organization. Albert Bichot owns four estates, one each in Chablis, Nuits-Saint-Georges, Pommard and Mercurey. It is also produces wine from Cote de Beaune, Cote Chalonnnaise, Beaujolais, Maconnais and regional appellations. Altogether the maison owns a total of more than 250 acres of vineyards.

Les Amoureuses is a Premier Cru vineyard in the Chambolle-Musigny appellation in Burgundy. The 13-5 acre vineyard lies down slope form the Grand Cru Le Musigny. Because of its excellent quality, Les Amoureuses is regarded more like a Grand Cru than a Premier Cru. The largest landholder is Robert Groffier et Fils, who owns nearly 3 acres. Clive Coates has written that “Les Amoureuses is really a sort of younger brother to Musigny itself; perfumed, silky smooth, intense and soft rather than brutal and muscular, and with real finesse.”

This red wine is relatively light and can pair with a wide variety of foods. The grape prefers cooler climates and the wine is most often associated with Burgundy, Champagne and the U.S. west coast. Regional differences make it nearly as fickle as it is flexible.