Bourgogne Cote d'Or Pinot Noir 'Secret de Famille', Albert Bichot, 2022
Bourgogne Cote d'Or Pinot Noir 'Secret de Famille', Albert Bichot, 2022
- 75cl
- 13%
- Red Still
- Pinot Noir
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Optimal drinking window: Now - 2030
With an extensive portfolio, there is a wine to suit all tastes and budgets from Bichot, each showing the precision, typicity, and generosity of fruit expected of their level. Over the last few years, we have seen the maison wines ascend to the same level of quality as those of its individual domaines (so much so that the Chambolle Musigny 1er Cru 'Les Amoureuses' is fast becoming the most highly regarded cuvée in the whole range).
Renowned wine critic Neal Martin comments that Albert Bichot can make "really quite delicious, complex wines that often surprise people in blind tastings when not swayed by the label." The 2022s are no exception and the Bichot portfolio is once again on cracking form.
Features as one of the Top 15 Négociants & Cooperatives in Tim Atkin's Burgundy 2022 Special Report.
This 2022 is drinking beautifully now in its primary fruit phase, with fresh berry flavours at their peak expression. Over the next 2-3 years, expect the bright fruit to integrate further while developing subtle earthy and spice characteristics typical of Burgundian Pinot Noir. The wine will maintain its charm until 2030, though it may lose some of its youthful exuberance. By 2032, it will still be pleasant but past its optimal drinking window, as the fruit will begin to fade.
What the critics say:
"A terrific wine and a good value for Burgundy, this overflows with fresh, ripe red and black fruit aromas, leading to friendly, almost sweet fruit flavors and a rounded texture of light tannins and a medium body. Charming, bright and well balanced, it’s a joy to drink now."
Food Pairings
In Burgundy, this would naturally pair with coq au vin, the region's iconic braised chicken dish where the wine's bright acidity cuts through the rich sauce. Local chefs would also serve it alongside jambon persillé, the traditional Easter terrine of ham and parsley, or with escargots de Bourgogne swimming in garlic butter. The wine's approachable character makes it perfect for a simple roast chicken with herbs from the garden, accompanied by Chaource cheese and crusty bread from the village boulangerie.
We think this wine would go well with
Serve lightly chilled at 14-16°C to preserve its fresh fruit character and bright acidity. No need to decant this charming wine - it's ready to pour and enjoy immediately. Use a standard red wine glass or Burgundy bowl to concentrate the delicate aromatics. If you must wait, a brief 30-minute breathing period will help the fruit flavours bloom.
This Côte d'Or blend draws from various parcels across Burgundy's golden slopes, where limestone and marl soils provide the mineral backbone that defines the region. The vineyards benefit from the Côte d'Or's ideal east-facing exposition, capturing morning sun while avoiding the harsh afternoon heat. This terroir combination delivers the perfect balance of fruit ripeness and natural acidity that makes Burgundian Pinot Noir so distinctive.
Bourgogne Côte d'Or is a relatively new appellation created in 2017, allowing producers to blend fruit from across the prestigious Côte de Nuits and Côte de Beaune. Unlike basic Bourgogne, which can source grapes from anywhere in the region, Côte d'Or wines must come exclusively from these hallowed slopes. The appellation represents excellent value, offering genuine Côte d'Or character at a fraction of the price of village-level wines.
The 2022 growing season in Burgundy began with a worryingly dry spring that had vignerons checking soil moisture levels weekly, followed by a summer that alternated between intense heat and welcome rainfall. The vines handled the stress remarkably well, producing smaller berries with concentrated flavours, though yields dropped significantly across both the Côte d'Or and Chablis. Harvest began earlier than usual, with many producers picking in late August under bright skies.
What emerged from the cellars shows a vintage of surprising finesse given the challenging conditions. The Pinot Noirs display vivid fruit and firm tannins without the jammy weight you might expect from a hot year, whilst the Chardonnays retained their mineral backbone alongside ripe stone fruit flavours. We're finding the village-level wines particularly compelling right now, drinking beautifully with just a year or two of bottle age, though the premier and grand crus will reward patience until the late 2020s.
FAQs
What does this wine taste like?
Fresh and fruity with ripe red berries, rounded texture, and charming brightness. Think raspberry and cherry with subtle spice and a clean, well-balanced finish.
When should I drink this wine?
It's delicious right now and will remain at its best until 2032. This is Burgundy for immediate pleasure rather than long cellaring.
What food pairs well with this wine?
Perfect with roast chicken, duck breast, or pork tenderloin. Also lovely with soft cheeses, mushroom dishes, or even salmon. Its bright acidity makes it very food-friendly.
How should I serve this wine?
Serve lightly chilled at 14-16°C in a standard red wine glass. No need to decant - just open and pour. It's ready to drink immediately.
Is this wine worth cellaring?
While it will keep until 2032, this is really about immediate pleasure rather than long-term ageing. Drink it while the fresh fruit character is at its peak.
How does this compare to other Burgundy wines?
It offers genuine Côte d'Or character at an accessible price point. More complex than basic Bourgogne but more approachable than village-level wines, making it perfect for discovering Burgundian Pinot Noir.
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