Sylvain Pataille Bourgogne Aligote 2023

Sylvain Pataille Bourgogne Aligoté 2023 is a vibrant, terroir-driven white Burgundy that shows just how expressive this often-overlooked grape can be. Crafted by one of Marsannay’s most respected vignerons, it offers precision, texture and energy rather than simple, neutral refreshment. This is Aligoté made in a serious, Burgundy-first style, with real depth and character.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, the wine shines a pale lemon to straw color with green highlights, signaling freshness and youth. The nose is lifted and pure, with notes of lemon zest, green apple, yellow plum and white flowers, layered with hints of crushed stone, fresh herbs and a subtle saline edge. On the palate, it’s taut and lively yet surprisingly textural, with a fine line of acidity driving citrus, green pear and orchard fruit flavors. There’s a chalky, mineral backbone and a light savory note that keeps the wine dry, focused and food-friendly, finishing long for the appellation. Enjoyable now for its tension and brightness, it has the structure to develop additional complexity over the next 3–5 years, gaining more nutty and honeyed nuances with short-term cellaring.

Production
Sourced from carefully tended Aligoté vines in Burgundy, this cuvée reflects Sylvain Pataille’s deep commitment to organic, low-intervention viticulture. The vineyards sit on classic Burgundian soils rich in limestone and clay, which lend the wine its signature precision and mineral drive. Grapes are picked by hand at optimal ripeness to preserve natural acidity and purity, then gently pressed. Fermentation typically takes place with indigenous yeasts, often in a mix of stainless steel and neutral vessels to maintain freshness while adding subtle texture, followed by aging on fine lees to enhance mouthfeel and complexity without masking the grape’s natural character.

Food & Serving
This Bourgogne Aligoté is a superb partner for raw oysters, shellfish, sashimi, fresh goat cheese, and simple preparations of white fish with lemon and herbs. It also pairs beautifully with light vegetable dishes, salads with citrus vinaigrettes, and classic Burgundian gougères. Serve well-chilled but not icy, ideally around 9–11°C (48–52°F), to allow the aromatics and texture to open up. Decanting is generally not necessary, but pouring the wine into glasses 10–15 minutes before serving will help it express its full aromatic range.

Producer
Sylvain Pataille is a highly regarded grower and winemaker based in Marsannay, at the northern end of the Côte de Nuits, known for championing thoughtful, terroir-driven Burgundy. Since founding his domaine in the late 1990s, he has become a reference point in the region for organic farming, meticulous vineyard work and minimal-intervention cellar practices. While he is best known for elevating Marsannay’s reds and rosés, Pataille’s whites—particularly his Aligoté—have helped redefine the reputation of the grape, proving it can produce wines of real finesse and depth. His dedication to authenticity and site expression has earned him a devoted following among sommeliers and Burgundy enthusiasts worldwide.