Aligote: about the variety, what and how to drink + 4 available brands
About the Aligote variety
Aligoté is one of the most famous white grape varieties from France, from Burgundy, where it has been grown since the 17th century to this day.
Due to its relative frost resistance and high yield, the variety has become widespread in countries such as Moldova, Romania, and Ukraine. Increasingly, it can also be found in the USA as part of assemblages, where it compensates for the lack of acidity of other varieties. Strangely enough, France is significantly inferior to Moldova in terms of the area of planting of aligote.
Aligote loves the sun and warmth - grapes grown in warm and sunny regions produce wines that are less acidic and more aromatic.
Aligote is most often used to produce dry and, less often, semi-dry white wines, as well as sparkling wines and cremants in France - Cremant de Bourgogne.
Characteristics of aligote
The main feature of aligote wines is acidity - they have a high level of acidity, bright and sonorous. Most often, shades of green apple, lemon, meadow grasses, acacia are manifested.
It should be borne in mind that aligote wines are often simple, not burdened with rich aromas and flavors, so they are not suitable for important events and significant holidays. But such wines are an ideal aperitif, because thanks to their acidity, they awaken the appetite and cleanse the taste buds when changing dishes.
Aligote wines can be aged in stainless steel containers, which will preserve their freshness and reveal the aroma more widely, deepen it and make it more intense. Sometimes they are also aged in oak, in which case the wine acquires a creamy structure and subtle hints of spices and oak wood.
With what and how to drink aligote
Aligote wines go well with seafood, especially oysters. Also suitable for grilled fish, light salads, savory pastries. In general, these wines are quite versatile, they can be combined with Italian and Asian dishes.
Since Aligote produces rather simple wines, they should be served at a temperature of 9-11°C, some French samples will perform well at 12-13°C. Regular white wine glasses are suitable.
Which brand to try Aligote wine from?
Albert Bichot, Aligoté Burgundy, dry white wine
France, Burgundy, Côte d'Or.
Aging: short-term in stainless steel.
Alcohol: 12.5% vol.
Serving temperature: 9-10°C.
This wine is produced by an enterprise that has existed in France since 1831. Albert Bichot is known in more than 100 countries and regularly wins awards and medals.
The aroma of the wine is harmonious and clean, dominated by citrus and fruit tones, complemented by nuances of almonds. The taste is pleasant and refreshing, with medium acidity and a citrus aftertaste.
Update: 18.08.2021
Category: Wine and Vermouth