2016 Albert Bichot Domaine Long-Depaquit Chablis Les Clos

Chateau Long-Depaquit was founded in 1791 in the heart of the village of Chablis. The estate includes 160 acres of vineyards and since 1968 it has been owned by Maison Albert Bichot, one of Beaune’s largest and most important negociants. Albert Bichot owns four domaines in Burgundy for a total of more than 250 acres of vineyards, and the maison is today run by Alberic Bichot, the sixth generation of the founding family. Maison Albert Bichot has won numerous international awards for winemaking. Chateau Long-Depaquit is entirely in Chablis and owns 10% of the total Grand Cru of the Chablis appellation. The estate produces six Grand Cru and six Premier Cru Chablis, including the Grand Cru La Moutonne, a monopole.

Les Clos is a 61-acre Grand Cru vineyard in the appellation of Chablis, at the northwestern tip of Burgundy. With rocky soil, good drainage, and a southerly orientation, the vineyard is generally the most acclaimed of the Chablis Grand Crus. The principal landholders are Fevre with 10.38 acres; J. Moreau, with 9.01 acres; and C. Moreau, with 9 acres. Other notable producers with parcels in Les Clos are Francois Raveneau, Louis Pinson, Joseph Drouhin and Rene Dauvissat. Like all the Chablis vineyards, it is planted exclusively to Chardonnay.

This white variety originated in Burgundy, but is now grown around the world. Its flexibility to thrive in many regions translates to wide flavor profile in the market. Chardonnay is commonly used in making Champagne and sparkling wines.