Located in the Côte des Bar, the southernmost region of Champagne, France, Domaine de Bichery is a small, family-run estate crafting natural, terroir-driven Champagnes. Founded in 2013 by Raphaël Piconnet and his wife Hannah Piconnet-Boesel, the domaine spans 8 hectares across the villages of Neuville-sur-Seine and Gyé-sur-Seine. Raphaël, a native of the region, grew up among the vines, influenced by his grandfather Charles, a dedicated winegrower who propagated his own massal selections. After studying viticulture in Beaune, Burgundy, and working at Château Pape Clément in Bordeaux and in Switzerland, Raphaël returned to his family’s estate, taking over a portion of the vineyards in 2013. Hannah, originally from Germany, met Raphaël in Bordeaux in 2012, sparking the vision for Domaine de Bichery.

Certified organic since 2019 (Ecocert) after a three-year conversion, the domaine cultivates Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Meunier on steep, hilly plots with clay-limestone and marl soils. Their philosophy, encapsulated in their motto “pas d’histoire, du naturel” (no stories, just natural), emphasizes minimal intervention and authenticity. Each cuvée comes from a single parcel and vintage, reflecting the unique character of the terroir without blending or dosage. The couple farms biodynamically, using plant-based treatments, and vinifies in a small cuvérie (upgraded to a modern cellar in 2020) with natural fermentations, indigenous yeasts, and aging in neutral oak barrels or stainless steel. Their wines are neither fined, filtered, nor dosed with sulfites, resulting in pure, expressive Champagnes and Coteaux Champenois.

Producing around 5,000–12,500 bottles annually, their portfolio includes cuvées like La Source (Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, Brut Nature, citrusy and mineral), Les Terres Mêlées (100% Pinot Noir, Blanc de Noirs, intense and rare), À L’Envers (100% Chardonnay, Blanc de Blancs), and Les Fontaines (Pinot Noir rosé). They also craft still wines, such as Coteaux Champenois Rouge and Blanc, showcasing their versatility. Their flagship vineyard, En Val du Clos, planted in the 1970s by Raphaël’s grandfather, is a cornerstone of their production.

Raphaël and Hannah are part of the Association des Champagnes Biologique, alongside other organic growers like Charles Dufour, pushing for terroir-driven quality. Their hands-on approach, from vineyard to cellar, and commitment to sustainability have earned them a growing reputation among natural wine enthusiasts.