Chablis Grand Cru Les Clos Long Depaquit - Albert Bichot (Domaine) 2020

The origin of the Long-Depaquit domaine goes back to the history of the Abbey of Pontigny, a Cistercian monastery founded in 1114 by monks of Citeaux a few kilometres northwest of Chablis. A few years later, in 1128, the Cistercian monks had already developed their own domaine at Chablis. During the Revolution in 1789, Jean Depaquit, a priest of Pontigny, left the orders and returned to civil life. During the sale of national property, he bought the vineyards of the Abbey, including the famous vineyard of La Moutonne. His son, Benjamin, who had no children, adopted a certain François-Auguste Long, which would lead to the creation of the Long-Depaquit family, owner of the eponymous domaine. The château, built in 1791, is one of the most beautiful buildings of Chablis. Redeemed by the Beaunoise house Albert Bichot in 1970, this magnificent Chablis domaine developed and now covers 65 hectares. It still has its own teams and cellar. The maison Bichot also houses the Clos Frantin (Vosne-Romanée), Château-Gris at Nuits-Saint-Georges, Pavillon (Pommard), Adélie (Mercurey) and Rochegrès at Moulin-à-Vent.

Les Clos has a double claim to the title of the "grand cru des grand crus". Firstly, in terms of area: with nearly 25 ha, it is easily the largest. And secondly, in terms of reputation: most experts acknowledge that it produces probably the most accomplished and complete Chablis wines, especially after a decade of ageing. It has a south-southwesterly exposure, and benefits from relatively shallow limestone-rich soils overlying Kimmeridgian marl.