The Pichots are one of the oldest families in Vouvray. They began as restaurateurs in 1739 and bought the Coteau de la Biche vineyards in 1770 to supply the restaurant, which made them growers. Christophe Pichot makes the wine today.
Their holdings are unusually well placed, almost all at the top of the village. The largest is the Coteau de la Biche itself, in the prime Vallée de Nouys, facing south-east and ideally suited to drier styles. The family also owns most of Le Marigny, a premier coteau site just above the village opposite Clos du Bourg, eight hectares of which Christophe acquired in 1984. Clos Cartaud, Clos Saint-Mathurin and Clos Berger complete the picture. These are among the finest sites in the appellation.
Twenty-eight hectares are farmed, with grass grown between the rows to take moisture and vigour out of the vines. The estate is certified HVE3 and certified organic, and is converting to biodynamics. The still wines are fermented at low temperature in stainless steel with a small portion in used barrels, about a tenth for the sec, a fifth for the demi-sec and more for the sweet wines, then aged six months on fine lees before bottling. Around 12,000 dozen a year, across dry, demi-sec and sweet styles, with the demi-secs in particular ageing beautifully.
