Saint-Malo, January 16, 2025 — Albert Bichot, the renowned Burgundy-based wine house, is setting sail on a groundbreaking experiment to explore how the sea influences the aging process of white wines. Two 228-liter barrels, securely fastened to the deck of a yacht, will traverse the Atlantic Ocean over the next two months. Starting with a stopover in New York, the journey will continue to Pointe-à-Pitre before returning to Saint-Malo in early March.
The project aims to deepen understanding of how exposure to varying marine conditions such as temperature, humidity, and salty air might accelerate wine aging. The barrels will experience continuous movement and stirring due to the rougher conditions at sea, potentially leading to increased micro-oxygenation — a process that could enhance the wine’s complexity.
To monitor these effects, Albert Bichot has teamed up with Onafis, a “Wine Tech” company based in Nantes, which has developed a connected system to track real-time changes in the barrels. The system includes a probe equipped with multiple sensors that will record data on temperature, humidity, dissolved gases, and volatile compounds. Matthieu Mangenot, Onafis’ Technical Director, will use this data to observe how the wine develops during its journey across the Atlantic.
Albert Bichot is no stranger to innovation in winemaking. With 107 hectares of vines across six prestigious Burgundy domains, including four certified organic estates, the company has long been a leader in producing wines that reflect the unique terroir of their origins. But this new venture goes a step further, as it aims to explore the concept of “merroir”—a term coined to describe the influence of the sea on wine, akin to the more widely recognized concept of “terroir,” which refers to the soil and climate conditions where grapes are grown.
The initiative, which began in March 2024, also highlights Albert Bichot’s commitment to sustainability. The company enlisted the Grain de Sail II, a cargo ship powered by wind and solar energy, to transport the barrels. This eco-friendly vessel, equipped with hydro-generators and wind turbines, reduces CO2 emissions by 95% compared to traditional freight methods.
Albert Bichot’s dedication to environmental stewardship extends beyond winemaking; it aligns with its support of the Tara Océan Foundation, which the company has assisted in its Antarctic microbiome mission.
As the barrels make their way across the ocean, wine enthusiasts and experts alike eagerly await the results of this innovative project. Upon the yacht’s return, a comparative tasting will be held, featuring two additional barrels of the same wine that have been stored in the company’s cellars in Beaune for comparison. This experiment could redefine the way we think about wine maturation and the influence of the ocean on the final product.
You Might Be Interested In:
- Where Is Ice Wine From?
- Ice Wine vs. Regular Wine: Which Is Stronger?
- How Many Calories in a Bottle of Merlot Red Wine?
