International Wine Challenge 2026
The World’s Best White Wine of 2026Domaine du Pavillon Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru 2024 by Maison Albert Bichot has been crowned Champion White 2026—an extraordinary recognition for one of Burgundy’s greatest white-wine terroirs.
97 points · Gold Medal · Champion White
At the 2026 International Wine Challenge in London, this remarkable 2024 Corton-Charlemagne rose above the world’s finest white wines.
Before receiving the competition’s highest white-wine honour, IWC Champion White Wine 2026, the Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru 2024 had already excelled during the IWC tastings in May 2026, earning a Gold Medal, 97 points and four prestigious trophies.
A proud moment for Burgundy
An award shared with the entire team
Accepting the trophy in London, Albéric Bichot placed the achievement firmly in the hands of the people behind the wine—the teams who work throughout the year in the vineyards and cellars of Maison Albert Bichot.
The recognition rewards every stage of the wine’s creation: careful vineyard work, precise harvesting, patient barrel ageing and a deep understanding of the Corton-Charlemagne terroir.
“We are very happy and extremely proud.” — Albéric Bichot
Earlier in 2026, the Drinks+ & Wine Travel Awards team visited the Maison Albert Bichot estates during a wine trip to Burgundy together with Ukrainian winemakers, restaurateurs, journalists and wine enthusiasts. The visitors saw the vineyards first-hand and learned more about the work behind the wines of Maison Albert Bichot.
Domaine du Pavillon · Côte de Beaune
Born on the legendary Hill of Corton
This 100% Chardonnay comes from Maison Albert Bichot’s 1.2-hectare parcel in the Languettes climat. The vineyard lies on the south-east-facing slope of the Hill of Corton at an average altitude of 280 metres.
Known historically as Vigne Dieu—“God’s Vines”—the site combines generous sunshine with brown limestone soils over Argovian marl. This creates Chardonnay with impressive concentration, natural freshness and exceptional purity.
Domaine du Pavillon is based south of Pommard and has been certified organic since the 2018 vintage, reflecting Maison Albert Bichot’s commitment to protecting the natural balance of its vineyards.
Winemaking & ageing
Precision from vineyard to cellar
The Chardonnay grapes are harvested entirely by hand. Fermentation takes place in oak barrels, with approximately 30–35% new oak, allowing the wine to develop depth while preserving the identity of the fruit and terroir.
The wine then ages for 14–16 months on its fine lees in oak barrels. This patient maturation contributes texture, complexity and remarkable length without overwhelming the freshness that defines great Corton-Charlemagne.
Tasting notes
A powerful yet beautifully balanced Chardonnay
This Grand Cru brings together ripe fruit, freshness and mineral depth in a concentrated, precise expression of Corton-Charlemagne.
Colour
Bright pale gold with luminous reflections.
Nose
Smoky citrus, white and yellow fruit, gentle spice, toasted nuts and fine mineral notes.
Palate
Concentrated and balanced, with stone fruit, subtle buttery texture and impressive freshness.
Finish
Intense and remarkably long, with lingering citrus, toasted almond, spice and mineral freshness.
How to enjoy it
Serving and food pairing
Serve between 12–14°C. Although already impressive, the wine has the concentration and structure to develop for five to ten years and beyond under suitable cellar conditions.
Available at La Maison du Vin
A rare opportunity for Burgundy collectors
Twenty-four bottles are available now for the Cyprus market. For collectors and lovers of great white Burgundy, this is a special opportunity to secure the IWC Champion White 2026 while it remains available.
Award information: Wine Travel Awards — Corton-Charlemagne 2024, the World’s Best White Wine 2026 .