The grape variety Aligoté

Aligoté is a distinguished white grape variety predominantly grown in Burgundy, France, though it also finds expression in Eastern Europe and select New World regions. Renowned for its fresh and vibrant character, Aligoté wines typically exhibit a pale straw hue with lively citrus aromas, offering notes of green apple, lemon zest, and occasionally a delicate floral undertone. The palate tends to be crisp and refreshing, defined by high acidity, subtle minerality, and a clean, zesty finish, making it exceptionally approachable in youth.

The principal home of Aligoté is Burgundy, notably in the Côte Chalonnaise and Bouzeron, where it holds village-level distinction. It is also cultivated in Eastern European countries like Bulgaria and Moldova. Aligoté is most famously used in crafting Bourgogne Aligoté and as the base of the classic apéritif Kir. Styles range from light, unoaked and fruit-forward expressions to more complex, occasionally oaked renditions.

Aligoté's brisk acidity makes it highly versatile at the table, pairing superbly with shellfish, smoked salmon, goat’s cheese, and delicate vegetable dishes. It is equally well-suited as an apéritif or alongside fresh salads, ensuring broad appeal for a diverse array of palates.