Albert Bichot Horizon de Bichot Chardonnay 2024

Brilliant yellow in the glass, the 2024 Horizon de Bichot Chardonnay opens with delicate floral aromas and fresh citrus zest, followed by peach and hazelnut. Grapefruit brings a lively edge to the palate, while fresh almond, subtle vanilla, and hints of lily add complexity. The wine combines a rounded richness with an energetic, refreshing character, finishing with a lightly saline impression. Its appeal lies in that balance: expressive fruit and gentle nutty nuances provide depth, while the citrus and freshness keep the overall presentation bright rather than heavy. These descriptors are supported by Albert Bichot’s published tasting sheet specifically for the 2024 vintage.

Albert Bichot recommends Horizon Chardonnay with marinated shrimp skewers. We’d also consider seared scallops, roast chicken, fish with a light lemon-butter sauce, or creamy mushroom pasta. Those dishes should complement its combination of citrus freshness, rounded texture, and subtle nutty character. For a simpler pairing, try grilled shrimp with herbs and a squeeze of lemon. Suggested serving temperature: 50–55°F.

Albert Bichot’s history began in 1831, when Bernard Bichot established a wine-trading business in Monthélie, Burgundy. Successive generations expanded the family’s vineyard holdings and winemaking activities, and the company settled permanently in Beaune in 1912. That Burgundian background provided the foundation for a business closely associated with Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, while also encouraging exploration beyond its traditional home region.

The Horizon de Bichot range carries that experience south to Limoux, where four distinct growing environments—Oceanic, Mediterranean, Autan, and Upper Valley—offer complementary expressions of Chardonnay. Cooler sites contribute freshness, while warmer areas provide richness and body. The grapes are vinified at the Horizon winery in Gardie, near Carcassonne. Although the fruit comes from the Limoux area, the wine is designated Vin de France, not Limoux AOC or Burgundy. The producer’s general technical sheet describes fermentation in stainless steel and a smaller proportion of oak barrels, followed by aging on the lees.