Albert Bichot "Origines" Bourgogne Pinot Noir (2023)

Maison Albert Bichot is one of Burgundy's long-established family houses, run by the same family for six generations and today farming its estate vineyards organically. "Origines" is its regional Bourgogne Pinot Noir, blended from a patchwork of plots spread across the region rather than tied to a single village - the idea being to capture the basic character of Burgundian Pinot at a price most people can reach.

The vines average 25 to 30 years old, planted on the limestone-clay soils that run through Burgundy. The fruit is hand-picked, fermented in a mix of oak vats and stainless steel, then aged for around a year - about a fifth in barrel, the rest in tank - so there's a touch of structure without the oak taking over.

The result is fresh and fruit-forward: raspberry and blackcurrant with the light, earthy undertone that marks out red Burgundy, supple tannins and a clean finish. Light-bodied and easy to drink, it's best served slightly cool, around 14-15°C.