The Aligote grape is one of the hidden gems of the viticulture world, often overshadowed by its more illustrious cousin, the Chardonnay. Native to Bourgogne, France, Aligote is a white grape variety known for its refreshing acidity and crisp, clear flavour profile.
The grape possesses a rich green hue, yielding a light and often sparkling white wine. Its innate brisk acidity makes it an exceptional pairing for seafood, especially shellfish, or an apt choice for a summery aperitif. Côte Chalonnaise and Bouzeron in particular are regions in Burgundy highly reputed for their Aligote production.
Despite its origins in France, cultivation of Aligote grape has become more widespread, with vineyards occupying parts of Eastern Europe and America. In Russia and Ukraine, it is used in the production of both sparkling and table wine while in the cooler climates of Washington State, USA, Aligote grape is celebrated for its compatibility with the terroir.
Aligote wine is typically characterised by its lemony tang and subtle notes of green apple, with certain variants also harbouring a distinctive minerality - a homage to the chalky soils frequently found in its native Burgundian vineyards. However, it wasn't always appreciated for its refreshing character - Aligote was historically seen as an inferior grape and often used to make the cocktail, kir.
During recent years, though, the Aligote grape has experienced something of a renaissance, as winemakers, connoisseurs and consumers alike begin to value its distinctive qualities. Aligote wines offer drinkers a degree of complexity without compromising on the crisp, clean finish that makes them such an approachable option. Whether served alone or as a complement to a meal, the Aligote grape continues to prove that it is far more than just a footnote in the world of wine.
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