Aligote

Aligoté is a white grape variety that holds a special place in the world of wine, particularly renowned as the “other white grape” of Burgundy, France. While often overshadowed by its illustrious neighbor Chardonnay, Aligoté has been cultivated in Burgundy since at least the 18th century and offers a refreshing, characterful alternative for those interested in exploring lesser-known wines. Though its spiritual home remains Burgundy, Aligoté is also grown in Eastern Europe and parts of North America, adding to its global intrigue.

One of the most distinctive features of Aligoté is its crisp, vibrant acidity, which gives the wines a lively and thirst-quenching quality. The typical profile includes notes of green apple, citrus, and sometimes subtle floral or herbal undertones. This makes Aligoté-based wines exceedingly food-friendly and versatile, particularly in contrast to the often richer, oak-aged styles of Chardonnay from the same region. In Burgundy, you’ll often encounter Aligoté as a single-varietal wine, such as Bourgogne Aligoté AOC, or in the classic French cocktail “Kir,” where it’s mixed with crème de cassis.

There are subtle but meaningful differences among Aligoté wines depending on origin and winemaking style. In Burgundy, the grape can yield either a zesty, light-bodied white with bright acidity or, when grown on older vines or crafted with more attentive winemaking, display surprising depth and a lovely mineral backbone. In regions such as Eastern Europe, including Moldova and Ukraine, Aligoté often shows an even crisper profile, emphasizing its clean, fruit-driven style.

Historically, Aligoté was once the most widely planted white grape in Burgundy before Chardonnay surged in popularity. Appreciated for its resilience and ability to thrive even in less prestigious vineyard sites, Aligoté has endured, achieving a renaissance in recent years as winemakers and wine lovers rediscover its unique qualities. Its history and understated elegance set it apart from other white grape varieties commonly found in the region and beyond.

Aligoté’s vibrant acidity makes it an excellent companion at the dining table. It pairs especially well with fresh seafood, oysters, goat cheese, crisp salads, and light poultry dishes. The wine’s refreshing nature also makes it a welcome palate cleanser alongside fried foods and richer appetizers, as well as a reliable base for a variety of apéritifs.