Domaine Long-Depaquit

An Atherton Wine Imports Direct Domaine

The wine history of Domaine Long-Depaquit dates back to 1128 when Cistercian monks at the Abbey of Pontigny built a cellar and began cultivating vines around the site of the present day Chateau. In 1790 Jean Depaquit – the former Abbot of Pontigny – and his brother Simon purchased the abbey’s vineyards, including the already famous “Moutonne.” The 10 hectare domaine remained in the family until 1968 when it was purchased by the Bichot family. The Bichot family has steadily expanded the Domaine’s holdings and they now own 70 hectares of prime vineyards, including 10% of all the Chablis Grand Crus.

The 2.35 hectare “Moutonne” monopole is still the jewel of the Domaine. Most of the vineyard lies within the boundaries of Vaudesirs, but it overflows slightly into the Preuses vineyard as well. The steep, amphitheatre-shaped vineyard is South-facing and rests on clay-rich limestone. Optimum soil, perfect exposure, and protection from the north wind provide all the necessary ingredients for top Grand Cru Chablis.

Changing of the Guard in 2002

Gerard Vuillen, who managed the vineyards for over 30 years, retired after the 2002 vintage. Jean-Didier Basch, who previously ran Domaine Ott, has now taken over and important changes are already underway. Yields will be reduced even further, more natural yeasts will be used, the premiers and grand crus will be partially aged in oak, and fining and filtration will only be used when necessary. They are also investing in a costly new method of protecting the vines from frost. Trials that started in 1998 have demonstrated a huge improvement in ultimate grape quality and they plan to install the system in their most prestigious vineyards.

According to Allen Meadows “Along with Basch, commercial director Philippe de Marcilly has been a major force for dramatic turn in quality at all of the Bichot domaines, which include Domaine du Clos Frantin (Vosne-Romanée) and Domaine du Pavillon (Pommard) among others. But the turn around at Long-Depaquit has been extraordinary... And as the scores suggest, the 2004s are excellent, in particular the Moutonne.” - Burghound Oct. 2005

Featured Wines

• Chablis “La Moutonne”
• Chablis “Les Clos”
• Chablis "Bougros"
• Chablis "Blanchots"
• Chablis “Les Vaudesirs”
• Chablis "Montee de Tonnerre"
• Chablis "Vaucoupin"
• Chablis “Les Vaillons”
• Chablis “Les Lys”
• Chablis - Great Value