Maison Albert Bichot has bottled a limited‑edition Bourgogne Côte d’Or Chardonnay born of an extreme transatlantic voyage. The Burgundy producer, keen to shrink its carbon footprint, first teamed up with ocean‑science NGO Tara Océan in 2017, then partnered with sail‑cargo specialist Grain de Sail.
On 18 January a Grain de Sail schooner left Saint‑Malo carrying two 228‑litre barrels of 2024 “Secret de Famille” Chardonnay strapped to the bow—completely exposed. Seventy‑three days later, on 31 March, the ship returned from New York after pitching through storms, humidity swings of 80‑95 %, and temperatures from –3 °C to 17 °C. Sensors recorded every fluctuation while the wine was naturally stirred by the swell.
Back in Beaune the barrels looked sand‑blasted, yet almost no wine had evaporated thanks to the moist sea air. The contents were cloudy from constant lees contact but notably fresher than a control lot that stayed in the cellar.
Re‑named “Secret d’Océan”, the wine will clarify naturally before bottling this spring. Only 600 bottles will be offered at €28.50, each closed with a stopper moulded from river‑recovered plastic waste—a final nod to ocean protection.
For Albert Bichot, the experiment proves sail freight can decarbonise exports. The house now intends to ship more premiers and grands crus to the United States under canvas, turning wind power into a regular part of its supply chain.