Maison Lorgeril & Domaines Albert Bichot

Not long ago, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Mirende Lorgeril, of Maison Lorgeril, and Albert Bichot of Domaines Albert Bichot. Over fine wine and engaging conversation, we explored life at the winery and the artistry behind crafting something truly exceptional.

Maison Lorgeril and Domaines Albert Bichot exemplify a harmonious balance of tradition, innovation, and sustainability, proving that a deep respect for the land and an eye toward the future are the hallmarks of truly great winemaking.

Dating back four centuries, Maison Lorgeril embodies a legacy of quality, sustainability, and a profound connection to exceptional terroirs. In 2021, this historic Languedoc producer joined the Albert Bichot USA portfolio, which seeks family-owned, quality-focused producers to complement its offerings.

Maison Lorgeril’s story begins with the constructing of the majestic Château de Pennautier in 1620. Today, the family’s holdings include five additional high-altitude vineyards, each situated on some of the region’s most complex and celebrated terroirs.

Since taking the helm in 1987, Nicolas de Lorgeril and his wife, Miren, have emphasized a symbiotic relationship with the land. They prioritize natural farming methods, including regular plowing and the use of organic fertilizers, ensuring the terroirs’ unique characteristics are fully expressed in each bottle.

For over two decades, Maison Albert Bichot has championed environmental stewardship, continuously innovating to reduce its carbon footprint. A notable recent effort involved reworking its wine packaging to create more eco-responsible bottles and partnering with Grain de Sail, a pioneering sailboat freight company. During Grain de Sail’s maiden voyage across the Atlantic, Albert Bichot transported wine sustainably, cutting CO2 emissions by 95% on the 24-day journey.

Albert Bichot’s environmental commitment extends to its vineyards. Its estates in Côte d’Or and Côte Chalonnaise have been certified organic for several years, while its Chablis estate, certified HVE Level 3, is undergoing a conversion to organic farming, with certification anticipated for the 2025 vintage.

This ethos aligns with Albert Bichot’s broader mission of environmental advocacy, which includes support for the Tara Océan Foundation. Albéric Bichot personally joined the foundation’s Microbiomes Mission to Antarctica, underscoring the winery’s dedication to sustainable practices.

Albert Bichot’s six exceptional estates span four of Burgundy’s most prestigious appellations, producing wines that consistently earn global recognition. With an unwavering focus on terroir expression and quality, the winery continues to set the standard for excellence in Burgundy and beyond.