The "Secret d'Océan" initiative explores the influence of the marine environment—referred to by the winery as "merroir"—on the aging of wine.

  • The Journey: Following a successful pilot, the cargo sailboat Grain de Sail II departed on January 25, 2026, headed for Pointe-à-Pitre. On board were six barrels of Bourgogne Côte d'Or Chardonnay and one barrel of Santenay rouge.

  • Scientific Study: Building on data collected during the first edition—which used Onafis probes to monitor parameters like oxygen, temperature, humidity, and pressure—the winery continues to study how maritime aging differs from traditional cellar aging. Notably, previous observations showed that wines aged on land experienced more marked oxygenation than those that traveled by sea.

Wine Profile and Availability

  • Tasting Notes: The wine is described as having a delicate bouquet of white flowers and citrus with subtle saline notes. On the palate, it is characterized as lively and dynamic, offering an harmonious balance between marine freshness and the richness of the terroir.

  • Commercial Details: The 2025 vintage is available in a limited edition for 28.50€ and can be pre-ordered via the Maison Albert Bichot e-boutique.

Environmental Commitment

"Secret d'Océan" is part of a broader eco-responsible approach by the Maison:

  • Transportation: By using sail transport, the company reduced $CO_{2}$ emissions by 95% compared to conventional freight.

  • Eco-design: The bottle features a 100% recyclable OBP (Ocean Bound Plastic) cork, a 100% recyclable label made from sugar cane, and a lighter glass bottle (540 g instead of the usual 580 g).

Source: BIVB