Aligoté: a 100% Bourgogne varietal

The Bourgogne region is where the Aligoté grape flourishes best. Of the 2,000 hectares planted in France, more than 1,800 are in the Bourgogne, from the Chablis region to the Mâconnais.

Did you know?

In 1997, at the instigation of Aubert de Villaine, co-manager of the Domaine de la Romanée-Conti and his wife Pamela, the wines of Bouzeron in the Côte Chalonnaise were awarded AOC status. Among some 44 Village appellations in the Bourgogne, it is the only one that allows for the production of a wine made exclusively from the Aligoté grape.

History and origins

Grape of Aligoté - © BIVB / Jessica Vuillaume

The Aligoté varietal first emerged in the Bourgogne in the 17th century, and is the result of a cross between Gouais Blanc and Pinot Noir. It also shares its origins with Chardonnay.

For a long time, the Aligoté grape suffered from being compared to Chardonnay, despite sometimes being planted alongside it in certain prestigious appellations such as Corton-Charlemagne and Montrachet. It flourished on the best hillsides, producing bigger, more plentiful grapes than the Chardonnay varietal.

In 1937, along with the other Bourgogne AOCs, the Aligoté grape received a first sign of recognition, with the creation of the Régionale AOC, Bourgogne Aligoté, which was authorized to be produced right across the Bourgogne.

For the past five years, its reputation has continued to grow. Bourgogne Aligoté is now appreciated by wine lovers for its vivacity and thirst-quenching qualities, and is popular among a hip young clientele.

 

A palette of flavor, from aperitif to cheese

Glass of Aligoté wine - © BIVB / Image & associés

Bourgogne Aligoté first catches the eye with its pale yellow color with hints of gold.
On the nose, it offers a range of delicious aromas of white-fleshed fruit, white blossom, peach, lemon, linden, acacia, hazelnut, green apple, and sometimes even citrus.
On the tongue, it is always remarkably fresh, with hints of saline and a fruity acidity that ensures good length.

Ideal as an al fresco aperitif in the garden, with lunch on the riverbank, to accompany a barbecue, or for a dinner with friends by the fireside, Bourgogne Aligoté is the perfect accompaniment for a convivial event and is ideal for sharing.

Seafood and oysters would wonderfully enhance its saline notes. With line-caught bass or shellfish, a lightly aged Bourgogne Aligoté would be able to bring out the delicate notes of the seafood.

Try with white meat such as poultry or roast pork, or at the end of a meal with fresh or aged cheese such as Crottin de Chavignol. It will be sublime!

 

Some myths about Aligoté

Glass of Aligoté wine - © BIVB / Image & associés

1. Aligoté wines do not age
False
They are delicious when young, but can also be aged for a few years to be enjoyed in their full glory. In their youth, they offer mainly vegetal aromas with the varietal coming through. But after a few months in the cellar, this gives way to the terroir.

2. All Bourgogne Grand Cru whites have always been made from the Chardonnay grape
False

Until the end of the 19th century, before phylloxera ravaged the vines, rows of Aligoté grew alongside their Chardonnay cousins in the vineyards of Corton-Charlemagne and Montrachet.

3. Aligoté wines are only aged in stainless steel
False

Although traditionally, Bourgogne Aligoté has been just briefly aged in stainless steel, some winemakers use oak barrels for ageing their wines, sometimes with new wood.

 
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