Description
It is fair to say that Burgundian wine is dominated by Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes. This is understandable being their homeland and also responsible for some of the most important examples of these varieties, however it does mean other local grape varieties have flown under the radar. This wine is made entirely from the white Aligote grape which is usually found alongside Chardonnay as a blend in Cremant de Bourgogne, but can offer spectacular value for the quality, as a still white wine, in the hands of producers such as Drouhin.
TASTING NOTES: This is a lively, aromatic wine with hints of grape on the nose and plenty of apple, lemon and refreshing minerality on the palate. It’s light to medium bodied, with lovely flavour. Best enjoyed over the next couple of years, it has herbal and flinty notes not dissimilar to Chablis. It represents superb value and certainly something new to explore. 12.5% alcohol.
FOOD PAIRING, STORING AND SERVICE: Try with goat’s cheese salads, a caprese salad of tomatoes and mozzarella or grilled fish such as salmon or halibut. For a Burgundian speciality, you could pair it with creamy/ smelly cheeses such as Epoisses, as the natural acidity of Aligote cuts through the cheese fat. Also ham dishes such as Jambon Persille (parsley ham), or even, if you are feeling adventurous, snails! Serve at 8-10 degrees to enjoy the appley fruit and citrus character. Drink now till end of 2028.
ABOUT: Joseph Drouhin, a Chablis native, arrived in Beaune at the heart of Burgundy in 1880 and founded the winery and negociant business which is now in the hands of his four great grandchildren, Philippe, Veronique, Laurent and Frederic. They are one of the most famous houses of Burgundy, with vineyards from Chablis in the North down to Maconnais in the South, with just over 100 hectares of vineyards (c 250 acres) of their own vineyards, and buying grapes from others too. Also try their delicious Oregon wines, from the other side of the pond!
