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A native but unique white grape to Burgundy, Aligoté is a light bodied white that often ends up unfairly lost in Chardonnay’s shadow. In Côte Chalonnaise, in a quaint village named Bouzeron, just south of the Côte de Beaune, Aligoté has its very own appellation where yields are limited in order to enhance flavors, acidity and overall quality. Somm Secret—Curiously, the famous producer, Domaine Ponsot, bottles a 100% Aligoté from its Premier Cru in Morey-Ste-Denis, Les Monts Luisants, made from Aligoté vines planted in 1911.

Brothers Bertrand and Denis Chevillon are the fifth generation managers of this property in Nuits-Saint-Georges, which means they work the vines and make the wines. Both brothers bring passion, experience, a tireless work ethic, and intensity to their work at the domaine. Tasting through their palate of Nuits-Saint-Georges premier crus is a venerable tour of the appellation. Their Passetoutgrain, a blend of Pinot and Gamay, is a worthy introduction and their rare (two barrels made) Nuits-Saint-Georges Blanc is an exotic treasure that ages just as long as the domaine’s fabled reds. And their Bourgogne Aligoté, Bourgogne Chardonnay and Bourgogne Rouge are grown and vinified with the same care as their premier crus. It shows.

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100% Aligoté, organically farmed.

This wine is bright, herbal and crowd-pleasing. The grapes are direct to press with juice going to a mix of newer and older, neutral French oak barrels for fermentation and élevage. Racked from barrel to stainless one month before bottling.

Although the grape’s parentage is Pinot noir and Gouais blanc, it is more akin to leaner, more herbal styles Chardonnay, or even some rounder styles of Chenin blanc.

Antoine Jobard, Bourgogne Aligoté, Côte de Beaune, France 2023

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