Horizon De Bichot Pinot Noir, Albert Bichot, 2022
Horizon De Bichot Pinot Noir, Albert Bichot, 2022
- 75cl
- 13%
- Red Still
- Pinot Noir
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Optimal drinking window: Now - 2030
Albert Bichot’s Horizon de Pinot Noir is the perfect drop for red Burgundy lovers with its perfumed red fruit. From Limoux in the Languedoc, this has gorgeous red fruit and some lovely spicy notes on the finish.
Albert Bichot's impressive range goes all the way up to crazily rare Grands Crus (with hefty price tags to match!), yet we've always been thrilled by their entry-level range of Burgundies. The whites, whether from the Macon, Chablis or Beaune, always offer incredible value for money, whilst the reds capture everything we love about Pinot Noir, with abundant red fruit, great freshness and a wonderful spicy finish.
Currently drinking beautifully with vibrant primary fruit at the fore, this 2022 will continue developing over the next 3-4 years. The perfumed red berries will gradually integrate with more complex secondary aromatics, gaining earthy undertones and subtle leather hints. Peak drinking window is likely 2027-2029, when the wine achieves perfect balance between fruit freshness and developed complexity. Beyond 2030, the wine may start losing its essential vibrancy, though it will remain pleasant for casual drinking.
Tasting Notes
AppearanceBright ruby red with good clarity and a youthful rim.
NoseImmediately perfumed with fresh raspberry and red cherry aromas. There's a lovely floral lift with rose petal notes and subtle spice. The aromatics are clean and vibrant, showing the cooler climate influence.
PalateMedium-bodied with bright acidity that carries the red fruit flavours across the palate. The texture is smooth with fine-grained tannins that provide structure without weight. Red cherry and raspberry dominate, with hints of strawberry and a touch of earthiness.
FinishThe finish brings those signature spicy notes with white pepper and a hint of clove, lingering pleasantly with fresh acidity.
Overall impressionThis captures the essence of good Pinot Noir: perfume, freshness, and that distinctive spicy character that makes the variety so food-friendly.
Food Pairings
In the Languedoc, this style of Pinot Noir pairs beautifully with the region's rustic cuisine. Think cassoulet with duck confit, where the wine's acidity cuts through the rich beans and meat, or grilled lamb chops with herbes de Provence echoing the wine's spicy finish. Local charcuterie, particularly the air-dried sausages and terrines, complement the wine's red fruit character perfectly. The wine also works well with the region's goat cheeses, especially the creamy Pélardon, where the wine's freshness balances the cheese's tangy richness.
We think this wine would go well with
Serve at 14-16°C to showcase the perfumed aromatics without overwhelming the palate. No need to decant this wine as it's designed for immediate enjoyment, though opening 30 minutes before serving allows the aromatics to fully develop. Use Burgundy glasses with a wide bowl to concentrate the delicate perfume, or standard red wine glasses if you prefer. Avoid over-chilling as this will mute the wine's expressive character.
Limoux sits in the foothills of the Pyrenees at altitudes between 200-400 metres, benefiting from both Mediterranean warmth and Atlantic cooling influences. The soils are primarily limestone and clay, providing excellent drainage whilst retaining enough moisture for the vines during hot summers. This unique terroir allows Pinot Noir to ripen fully whilst maintaining the acidity and elegance that makes the grape so compelling. The diurnal temperature variation helps preserve the perfumed aromatics that define quality Pinot Noir.
Limoux is best known for its sparkling wines and Chardonnay, but increasingly producers are exploring red varieties like Pinot Noir with impressive results. The appellation benefits from a unique climate where Atlantic, Mediterranean and mountain influences converge, creating ideal conditions for varieties that need both warmth and freshness. Unlike the rigid regulations of Burgundy, Limoux allows winemakers more flexibility whilst still maintaining quality standards. This freedom, combined with the terroir's natural advantages, produces wines that offer Burgundian character at more accessible prices.
The 2022 vintage in Languedoc arrived after a punishing summer that tested even the most experienced vignerons. Extreme heat and drought stressed the vines throughout much of the growing season, forcing growers to make careful decisions about irrigation and harvest timing. Those who picked early captured freshness before the heat could strip away acidity, whilst others who waited found their fruit concentrated but sometimes cooked.
What emerged was a vintage of two faces: at its best, 2022 produced wines with remarkable intensity and concentration, particularly amongst the reds where Syrah and Grenache thrived in the heat. The wines show ripe, sun-baked character with powerful fruit, though the finest examples retained enough backbone to age gracefully. We're drinking them now with real pleasure, though the structured reds will reward patience over the next five to eight years. Not every producer navigated the challenging conditions successfully, making careful selection more important than usual.
FAQs
What does this wine taste like?
Perfumed and elegant with bright red berries, silky texture, and a warming spicy finish that's characteristic of quality Pinot Noir.
When should I drink this wine?
Delicious now but will develop more complexity over the next 3-4 years, reaching peak drinking between 2027-2030.
What food pairs well with this Pinot Noir?
Perfect with duck, lamb, charcuterie, or soft goat cheeses. The wine's acidity and spice complement both rustic and refined dishes.
How should I serve this wine?
Serve at 14-16°C in Burgundy glasses or standard red wine glasses. No need to decant, but open 30 minutes before serving to let the aromatics develop.
Is this wine worth cellaring?
While drinking beautifully now, it will reward 3-5 years of cellaring as it develops more complexity whilst retaining its essential freshness and charm.
How does this compare to Burgundy?
It offers classic Pinot Noir character at a fraction of Burgundy's price, with the same perfumed fruit and spicy finish but in a more approachable, immediate style.
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