Burgundy is globally celebrated for its sublime expressions of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, but the region harbours a well-kept secret among its most attentive connoisseurs: the Aligoté grape.
Historically treated as a secondary variety, this ancient white grape is undergoing an extraordinary transformation. It is now winning over the most discerning palates — those in search of freshness, pronounced minerality and a vibrant authenticity that captures the full diversity of Burgundy’s terroirs with remarkable precision.
Discovering this hidden treasure is to embark on a unique sensory journey across the region’s golden hills, venturing beyond the well-trodden routes to reach closer to the essence of its local producers.
Aligoté is a white grape variety whose documented presence in Burgundy dates back at least to the eighteenth century. It is the product of a natural cross between Pinot Noir and the ancient Gouais Blanc variety, sharing a noble lineage with Chardonnay itself.
Yet its character in the glass is entirely its own.
Where Chardonnay tends to offer body and an unctuous complexity, Aligoté sets itself apart through its lively, incisive acidity, infectious energy and aromatic notes of citrus, green apple and acacia, underpinned by an almost saline minerality.
For decades, the variety was closely associated with the traditional Kir cocktail — a blend of white wine and crème de cassis originating in Dijon. However, when cultivated on high-quality limestone soils and with yields carefully controlled by dedicated vignerons, Aligoté reveals a fascinating gastronomic character and a notable capacity for ageing.
Source: Diário Económico
Original article: https://www.diarioeconomico.co.mz/?p=556108
