For 65 years, Colruyt customers have enjoyed exclusive access to Domaines Albert Bichot wines in their store. The long-standing partnership between Colruyt and Bichot is founded on mutual respect, trust, honoured commitments and a shared focus on sustainability, with customers always at the heart of every decision. In tribute to 65 years of partnership, Colruyt and Bichot are releasing a commemorative bottle featuring the signatures of Jef Colruyt and Albéric Bichot.
Two family businesses growing together
Domaines Albert Bichot is one of Burgundy's oldest wine houses. Founder Bernard Bichot started a wine trading business in Montélie in 1831. His son, Hippolyte, acquired the estate's first vineyard in Volnay. The major breakthrough came under the third and fourth generations, with two Alberts playing a pivotal role. The first Albert established the company in 1912 in Beaune, also known as the capital of the Burgundy wine region. His son, the second Albert, travelled extensively around the world to build the international reputation of the house's wines.
The first contacts with the Colruyt family date back to 1961. It was Jo Colruyt himself who purchased the wines for distribution through his wholesale business to independent Super Boni stores. At that time, the Colruyt stores as we know them today, did not yet exist. During the 65 years since Colruyt first purchased wines from Bichot, both companies have experienced remarkable growth. Colruyt Group has evolved into a listed food and health retailer with 768 stores and fitness clubs. In the second half of the twentieth century, Domaines Albert Bichot acquired 5 estates in Burgundy's leading appellations, including Chablis, Meursault and Nuits-Saint-Georges. Today, the company owns more than 100 hectares of vineyards across the region.
65 Years of trust
Since 1996, Albéric Bichot, representing the sixth generation of the family, has led the company. Under his stewardship, Bichot became a forward-looking company, firmly rooted in tradition. Since 2014, he has been transitioning to organic viticulture, one vineyard at a time, helping to ensure a healthy planet for future generations. This commitment to future generations is a value he shares with Colruyt Group.
When asked what characterises the partnership with Colruyt Group, he doesn't hesitate: "Our collaboration has flourished for 65 years. I believe our shared family values have played an important part in that. We have always worked together with mutual respect, and every commitment has been honoured. I also see two companies that are always willing to go the extra mile for their customers. I would like to thank Colruyt Group for all these years of trust."
Jef Colruyt agrees with Albéric: "Our partnership with Bichot is a textbook example of a long-standing relationship, dating back to my father's time. Trusting one another, listening to one another and, above all, thinking long term. That's the only way to keep finding the very best solutions for our customers time and again."
This long-term perspective is crucial in a fascinating yet challenging wine region, where vintages can differ markedly from one year to the next. It is therefore important to look beyond a single harvest or the circumstances of the moment, something that Colruyt and Bichot have successfully done for the past 65 years.
A commemorative bottle, signed by Albéric and Jef
To celebrate the 65 years of partnership, Colruyt and Bichot are launching a festive edition of their Mercurey Rouge, a classic in the range. The bottle features a bespoke label, bearing the signatures of Jef Colruyt and Albéric Bichot.
A team of five wine buyers selected the wine using the same approach they always apply: tasting, assessing and comparing, in search of the best balance between quality, character and value for money. They do so with the same craftsmanship, expertise and passion that have been built up and passed down from generation to generation within the group, ever since Franz Colruyt began purchasing wines himself in 1937.
Johan Tondeur, Burgundy wine buyer, explains why the Mercurey 2023 was chosen: "During the tasting, the wine stood out for its lovely roundness and fruity charm, highlighted by a delicate raspberry liqueur note. It is an exceptionally approachable wine. It's also the perfect time of year for red Burgundy. Autumn is setting in, our food choices are changing with the season, and that calls for something different from a light summer rosé."
The special edition is limited to 10,560 bottles. From 21 October to 3 November inclusive, customers can enjoy a 15% discount on purchases of three bottles or more and a 20% discount on purchases of six bottles or more across the entire Bichot range. Customers may mix and match all wines and sparkling wines, including the special edition, to take advantage of the discount.
Customers who simply cannot get enough of Bichot’s wines can also explore Boir, Colruyt Group’s online shop for premium drinks. The Boir range includes exclusive wines that are not available in-store.
