AligotéBurgundy's zesty sidekick that deserves way more love than it gets!
Aligoté is Burgundy's underrated white grape, living in the shadow of its famous cousin Chardonnay. This ancient variety has been cultivated in France since at least the 18th century and thrives in the cooler climates of Burgundy, particularly in the Côte Chalonnaise and around Bouzeron, which even has its own AOC dedicated entirely to Aligoté.
While often overlooked, this grape has a devoted following, especially in Eastern Europe where it found a second home in Ukraine, Russia, and Romania. What makes Aligoté special is its vibrant acidity and mineral character—it's the traditional grape used in the classic Kir cocktail, where its crisp profile perfectly balances the sweetness of blackcurrant liqueur. Modern winemakers are increasingly showcasing Aligoté as a standalone varietal, proving it's far more than just a blending grape or cocktail base.
How to recognize this grape variety?
Aligoté delivers a refreshingly lean and zippy profile with bright citrus notes of lemon, lime, and green apple dominating the nose. You'll often find hints of white flowers, fresh herbs, and a distinctive mineral or chalky character that speaks to Burgundy's limestone soils. On the palate, expect mouthwatering acidity with a light to medium body and a clean, crisp finish.
This high-acid profile makes Aligoté a phenomenal food wine. It's brilliant with oysters, goat cheese, green salads with vinaigrette, grilled fish, and classic Burgundian dishes like gougères. The wine's bright acidity cuts beautifully through rich, creamy sauces and pairs wonderfully with Japanese cuisine, especially sushi and sashimi. Serve it well-chilled for maximum refreshment!
Aligoté production around the world
Here's the list of the top 5 producers of Aligoté worldwide.
MoldaviaVallée du Dniestr, Codru, Stefan Voda
7 765 haRussiaKrasnodar, Crimée, Rostov
5 000 haUkraineOdessa, Mykolaiv, Kherson
3 500 haBulgariaVallée du Danube, Thrace
2 800 haFranceBourgogne, Savoie
1 600 haIf you like this grape variety...
Keep reading and discover other grape varieties.
Grape variety fact sheet
Origin
France



