ALIGOTÉ
Bright & Lean: Burgundy’s Other White
Often overshadowed by Chardonnay in its native Burgundy, Aligoté is a light-bodied white wine with vibrant acidity and subtle orchard fruit. It’s crisp, clean, and built for refreshment—making it a favorite aperitif in France and a quiet treasure among sommeliers.
Key Characteristics
Aligoté delivers zesty acidity and a sleek, mineral-driven profile. Expect flavors that lean toward green apple, citrus, and occasional saline notes.
Style
Still White
Body
Light
Acidity
High
Primary Grapes
Aligoté
Typical Flavors
Lemon, green apple, white flowers, chalk, saline
Origin & History
Aligoté has grown in Burgundy since at least the 17th century, often planted in less prestigious vineyard sites than Chardonnay. Long used in blends or for the classic Kir cocktail (white wine + crème de cassis), it’s increasingly gaining recognition as a varietal wine—especially in cooler climates and under skilled hands.
How It’s Made
Aligoté is typically vinified in stainless steel to preserve its freshness and acidity. Some higher-quality expressions may see neutral oak aging, which adds roundness without masking its lean character.
Notable Regions
While its spiritual home is Burgundy, Aligoté thrives in other cooler pockets as well.
Burgundy
France
Particularly Bouzeron, the only village-level AOC for Aligoté
Eastern Europe
Including Bulgaria and Ukraine, where it’s more widely planted
Oregon & California
USA
Small plantings from experimental producers
Food Pairings
Aligoté’s zippy nature makes it a lively match for light, fresh dishes.
Appetizers
Goat cheese, crudités, olives
Seafood
Oysters, poached shrimp, grilled white fish
Vegetables
Asparagus, zucchini fritters, green salads
Cheese
Chèvre, feta, Comté
How to Serve It
Glassware
White wine glass or tulip-shaped glass for crisp whites
Temperature
45–50°F (7–10°C)
Storage
Store upright in a cool, dark place; best enjoyed young, though some age-worthy versions exist
Fun Fact
The Kir cocktail, invented in Burgundy, traditionally uses Aligoté blended with crème de cassis.
Recommended Producers
These houses exemplify the diversity and craftsmanship of Aligoté, Burgundy’s vibrant underdog grape known for its freshness, precision, and terroir expression.
David Duband
A dynamic Côte de Nuits winemaker crafting expressive Aligoté that blends bright acidity with textural finesse.
Domaine de Villaine
A leading advocate for Bouzeron and the Aligoté grape, producing elegant, mineral-driven wines that showcase this varietal’s full potential.
Domaine de Villaine – Bouzeron Aligoté
A benchmark producer in the Bouzeron appellation, crafting elegant, mineral-driven Aligoté that reflects both regional identity and varietal purity.
Recommended Pours
David Duband - Les Terres De Phileandre Bourgogne Aligote 2022 — A crisp and lively Aligoté with citrus zest, green apple, and a refreshing mineral finish.
Domaine De Villaine - Bouzeron 2022 White Wine — A refined expression of Aligoté from Bouzeron, offering bright acidity, white flowers, and subtle salinity.
Domaine De Villaine - Bouzeron Aligote 2022 — A focused and elegant Aligoté with lemon peel, chalky minerality, and graceful tension from one of the region’s champions.