Two barrels of “Secret de Famille” Chardonnay from the 2024 harvest are embarking on a transatlantic voyage aboard the Grain de Sail II cargo sailboat. This marks a unique sensory expedition for Maison Albert Bichot. The wines will be sealed using NOMACORC Ocean closures, crafted from recycled plastic waste collected near the oceans.

Saint-Malo, March 2025 – Firmly secured on the deck, the two 228-liter barrels will cross the Atlantic Ocean to the rhythm of currents and maritime variations. With an initial stopover in New York, followed by a second in Pointe-à-Pitre, the sailboat will spend two months crossing the Atlantic before returning to Saint-Malo in early March.

For Albert Bichot, the objective of this experiment is to study how white wines evolve under these varying conditions.

Albert Bichot & Grain de Sail: Burgundy sets sail.

Primarily wind-powered and equipped with hydro-generators, wind turbines, and solar panels, the Grain de Sail II offers a sustainable alternative for maritime transport.

Wines aged at sea: Continuing an eco-responsible approach

This year, Albert Bichot aims to go further by leveraging this transatlantic journey to study the ocean’s impact on wine aging. Positioned on the ship’s deck, the barrels will be directly exposed to temperature fluctuations, humidity, and salty air, as well as more vigorous movements than those experienced in a cellar. This environment facilitates natural stirring and more intense micro-oxygenation of the wine. A probe equipped with over seven sensors will monitor the barrels’ evolution and the extreme external conditions in real-time

This experiment aligns with the Maison’s strong commitments to organic farming and eco-responsible practices. Upon completing the transatlantic journey, the wine will be bottled in lightweight glass bottles featuring eco-designed labels and sealed with NOMACORC Ocean closures.

NOMACORC Ocean

By adopting NOMACORC Ocean, VINVENTIONS and their clients, alongside Maison Albert Bichot, reinforce a strong commitment to protecting oceans and marine life.