Introducing OCHA wines

30/10/2026
OCHA - not merely a new wine, but a profound philosophical statement from Alexander Sichel, seventh-generation member of the historic Maison Sichel family.

By shifting focus from the traditional power and extraction of Bordeaux to a style defined by purity and finesse, Alexander is carving out a subtle, new path for the region's terroir.

A new vision from the seventh generation

Alexander Sichel's background is deeply rooted in the Bordeaux wine world, though his vision stretches beyond convention. He is the son of Allan Sichel and is part of the generation currently charged with leading the family business... which was established in 1883.

Whilst he officially joined Maison Sichel's back sales team in 2012, his winemaking ambition lies in a more artistic pursuit: to "capture the beauty of the landscapes to share it in our wines."

The OCHA project is directly inspired by Alexander's earlier experience crafting infused wines from the Cucugnan Mountains. This influence underpins the wine's identity, which, in a nod to Japanese tea, evokes a sense of delicate clarity.

A study in delicacy

The project, executed under the banner of Domaine Peter Sichel, has resulted in a highly exclusive cuvée produced in extremely limited quantities - we're delighted to be able to introduce it to the UK. OCHA offers a fresh, elegant, and unexpected perspective on the classic Bordeaux blend.

Terroir: A 1.5-hectare garden nestled on the limestone hills of Saint-André-du-Bois near Bordeaux. Clay-limestone hills, with northern exposure at 110m altitude.

Blend: 90% Merlot, 10% Cabernet franc

Harvest and winemaking: Manual harvest followed by 80% whole cluster fermentation of the merlot for 5 days. A 'delicate infusion' style - explicitly designed to avoid heavy extraction.

An exciting new addition

By focusing on this delicate infusion method, Alexander Sichel has created a wine that seeks out neither extraction nor power. OCHA stands as a compelling example of modern Bordeaux innovation from a renowned family, a subtle, elegant wine that respects the terroir while boldly revealing a different, more gentle side of the region. We remain huge fans of the Sichel's more traditional output, but this is a really exciting new wine to try for yourself.

Why not give it a go yourself?