Aligoté grape
Aligoté is a white grape known for lemon, apple, herbs. Its best-known homes are Burgundy.
Origin and history
From Burgundy, recorded since the 18th century; DNA proves it a cross of Pinot and Gouais Blanc, like Chardonnay.
Where it grows
Burgundy (Bourgogne Aligoté, Bouzeron), plus Eastern Europe: Moldova, Romania, Ukraine, Bulgaria and Russia.
Structure
Light to medium body, high acidity and modest alcohol; dry and usually unoaked.
Aromas, young and aged
Young: lemon, green apple, white flowers and herbs. With age (old vines): honey, hazelnut and a mineral, saline character.
Ageing
Usually best within 1–4 years; top old-vine and Bouzeron wines can age 8–10 years.
Also known as
Aligoté Doré, Aligoté Vert.
Good to know
Bouzeron in the Côte Chalonnaise is Burgundy's only village appellation for Aligoté, and the grape is the traditional base of a Kir with crème de cassis.
Similar white grapes
Explore all grapes in the interactive guide
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