Aligoté, The Other Grape of Burgundy

Whilst Burgundy is the original home of Aligoté, its plantings are dwarfed by those of Chardonnay with 4,200 acres under vine, compared with Chardonnay's 32,000. It is a hardy, little grape that is extremely resistant to cold temperatures, as well as being early yielding, so in years gone by growers have relied upon it for the purposes of blending. It is also the primary grape used to make the sparkling Cremant de Bourgogne and is a traditional component of the French cocktail kir (also known as vin blanc cassis) where Aligoté is mixed with creme de cassis. The style of Aligoté is markedly more floral than Chardonnay with fresh, zippy apple and lemon aromas being prevalent on both the nose and palate. A really interesting wine to pair with salty or fatty foods.