2021 Albert Bichot Saint-Veran Burgundy 750 ml

Years ago, when our importer friend Quentin ordered a vaguely familiar bottle of $25-ish white Burgundy over dinner in Beaune, we looked forward to a blissfully uncomplicated table wine.  

But rather than the serviceable, one-note Chardonnay we were expecting for that price, we got vibrant Meyer lemon and floral aromas followed by a parade of citrus, honeysuckle, and a limestone mineral note on the palate, and then a lingering finish. It was so lively, generous, and mouthwatering that we all snapped out of our tired haze to ask, “Sorry, how is this so good?” Quentin just smiled and revealed the bottle: This was an Albert Bichot wine. 

Thanks to producers like Bichot who have taken a keen, hands-on interest in its viticulture, the Mâconnais region is shining like never before. Surrounded by Pouilly-Fuissé vineyards, the Saint-Véran AOC has long been considered among the greatest values in all of Burgundy. 

In fact, we learned that Saint-Véran is currently—and justifiably—seeking Premier Cru recognition for some of their vineyards. Based on this bottle, they clearly deserve it.

The Bichot family has seen plenty of history pass through Burgundy, with roots in the region that go back to 1350 (making Louis Latour’s 1797 founding seem relatively recent). In 1831, Albert Bichot founded the maison, and nearly 200 years later it’s still an independent, family-run company. Now it’s overseen by sixth-generation descendant Albéric Bichot, whose visionary tenure is the reason Bichot has been quietly upping the quality game.

Europe has noticed, with multiple Winemaker of the Year awards from Le Journal de Paris and Wine International Challenge, and the prestigious International Trophies from the Decanter World Wine Awards.