Bourgogne Aligoté
Burgundy, France
In the same way that Gamay is perceived to be the lesser twin of Pinot Noir, Aligoté is generally seen as the lesser twin of Chardonnay. However, Aligoté has a rich history and, when carefully cultivated in the appropriate terroir (typically more elevated sites with more limestone and less clay), can produce expressive, complex and even age-worthy wines.
The first written mention of Aligoté was in 1667, when it was referred to as ‘Beaunié’ and observed to be "très commun et en estime à Beaune" (very common and well-regarded in Beaune). Today, Aligoté is widespread in region such as the Hautes Côtes de Nuits, Beaune, Yonne, and Chalonnais. Historically it was even grown on the hill of Corton.
