Gilbert PicqProducer from Burgundy, France

"Didier Picq was in splendid form when I met him at his winery on the outskirts of the tiny village of Chichée. I just love the simplicity here. This is no-nonsense, straight-down-the-line, top-notch winemaking and what Didier and Pascal Picq do without recourse to wooden barrels is flipping marvelous. What could have been shrill, one-dimensional, hard-going Chablis are turned into mineral-rich, expressive, transparent Chablis brimming with character." - Neal Martin

Nestled in the quaint village of Chichée, just outside Chablis, Gilbert Picq Winery is a beacon for traditional, terroir-driven Chablis. Established as a small family estate, it has gained recognition for its commitment to producing authentic Chablis wines that reflect the purest expression of the region's terroir. The winery, under the guidance of Didier Picq, continues to uphold the values and techniques that have made Chablis famous, focusing on precision, minerality, and a distinct salinity in its wines.

The Gilbert Picq winery was established with a vision to preserve the traditional methods of Chablis winemaking. Didier Picq, the current winemaker, inherited the family estate and has since been dedicated to crafting wines that speak of their origin. Located in Chichée, a village known for its chalky soils and cool climate, the estate has remained small but influential in the Chablis region. Didier Picq's approach to winemaking is characterized by minimal intervention, allowing the terroir to shine through in every bottle.

The winery has resisted modern trends, particularly the use of oak, which is absent from Picq's winemaking process. This decision highlights Picq's commitment to maintaining the purity of the Chardonnay grape, which is the cornerstone of Chablis wines. The wines are fermented and matured in stainless steel tanks, ensuring that the minerality and freshness of the grapes are preserved.

Terroir and Winemaking Philosophy of Gilbert Picq

The unique terroir of Chichée plays a crucial role in the character of Gilbert Picq's wines. The village is part of the greater Chablis region, known for its Kimmeridgian limestone soils, which impart a distinct minerality to the wines. These soils, combined with the cool climate, create the ideal conditions for producing high-acid, crisp Chardonnay which is the hallmark of Chablis.

Didier Picq is particularly attentive to the vineyards, practising conservative yields to ensure concentration and flavour in the grapes. The harvest is done by hand, and the grapes are meticulously sorted before pressing. This careful selection process ensures that only the best fruit is used in winemaking, contributing to the overall quality and longevity of the wines.

In the cellar, the approach remains minimalist. The wines are fermented with indigenous yeasts and aged on their lees in stainless steel tanks. This method preserves the fresh, clean character of the Chardonnay while enhancing the wine's texture and complexity. The absence of oak allows the natural flavours of the fruit and the minerality of the terroir to take centre stage.

The Quintessential Chablis Producer

Gilbert Picq is a name that resonates with Chablis purists. The winery's dedication to tradition, combined with its meticulous approach to winemaking, has earned it a reputation as one of the finest producers in the region. While it may not own any grand cru vineyards, the quality of Picq's wines rivals those of more prestigious appellations.

In a world where winemaking trends come and go, Gilbert Picq remains steadfast in its commitment to producing authentic, terroir-driven Chablis. For those seeking a true representation of the region, the wines of Gilbert Picq are not to be missed.

The Wines of Gilbert Picq

Gilbert Picq produces a range of Chablis wines that consistently impress with their clarity, focus, and expression of terroir. The winery's portfolio includes several Chablis AOC bottlings, as well as two premier crus: Vaucoupin and Vosgros. These wines are celebrated for their precision, depth, and the balance of power and purity that they offer.

Gilbert Picq Chablis Premier Cru Vosgros

Gilbert Picq Chablis Premier Cru Vaucoupin

Gilbert Picq Chablis En Vaudécorse

Gilbert PicqChablis Vieilles Vignes

Gilbert Picq Chablis