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Aligoté

Aligoté is a white wine grape native to the Burgundy region of France. It shares the same parentage as Chardonnay (Gouais Blanc crossed with Pinot Noir). The grape yields crisp, light-bodied, highly acidic wines with bright citrus, green apple, and mineral notes.

Wine Profile and Characteristics

Acidity: Exceptionally high, giving the wine a zippy and refreshing structure.

Flavor Notes: Green apple, lemon, white peach, and a distinct flinty or stony minerality.

Body and Alcohol: Typically light-bodied with moderate alcohol levels (around 11% to 13.5%).

Parentage: A natural cross of Gouais Blanc and Pinot Noir

Regions and History

Burgundy, France: Long considered Burgundy's "other" white grape behind Chardonnay, it received its own regional appellation (Bourgogne Aligoté) in 1937.

Global Placements: While anchored in France, it thrives in cold climates and is widely planted in Eastern European countries like Bulgaria, Romania, and Moldova, as well as select pockets in the New World.

Uses and Food Pairings

The Kir Cocktail: Traditionally used as the base wine for a Kir, mixed with crème de cassis (blackcurrant liqueur).

Sparkling Wine: Valued in cooler regions and blends like Crémant de Bourgogne for its sharp acidity.

Food Pairings: Pairs naturally with raw oysters, grilled fish, shellfish, and regional goat cheeses.

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