Aligoté (France)
Aligoté is a grape and a dry white wine from Burgundy.
Aligoté Flavors
Citrus, Green Apple and Peach are typical Aligoté flavors.
With hints of White Flowers, Herbs, and Flint (Smoke).
 Citrus |
 Apple |
 Peach |
 Flowers |
 Herbs |
 Flint |
Aligoté Profile
Aligoté is light, dry, and delicate:
| SUGAR: | Dry 3g/l |
| BODY: | Light |
| FRUIT: | Medium - Low |
| ACIDITY: | Medium - High |
| ALCOHOL: | 12-13% ABV |
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Serving temperature: 8-10°C (46-50°F) |
Aligoté Food Pairing
Aligoté pairs well with seafood, fried fish and fried chicken.
 Aperitif |
 Oysters |
 Shrimps |
 Seafood |
 Fish |
 Chicken |
 Chips |
 Soft Cheese |
Excellent Pairings
Oysters. Mussels. Clams. Shrimps.
Fried Fish. Plain Fish. Sea Bass.
French Fries. Fish and Chips.
French Specialities
Snails or Prawns with Garlic.
Roast Chicken with French Fries.
The Ideal Glass for Aligoté
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A Tulip Shaped Glass with a slightly smaller bowl can be suitable for various dry white wine styles. It guides the wine to the center of your mouth, avoiding the sides where acidity is less pleasant. A smaller bowl also helps to serve smaller quantities, and keep the wine cold. It also helps if you hold the glass by the stem! |
Aligoté Cheese Pairing
Opt for cheeses with moderate saltiness and creaminess to balance the Aligoté's acidity.
Add fruits (grapes, apples, pears), nuts (almonds, walnuts), or a light drizzle of honey to enhance the pairing.
Fresh and Mild Cheeses
Goat Cheese (Chèvre): The tanginess complements the subtle fruit notes in Aligoté.
Ricotta: Especially good if served with a drizzle of honey or fresh fruits.
Mozzarella: Its delicate flavor pairs well with the wine's lightness.
Soft Cheeses
Brie: The creamy texture and mild flavor work beautifully with Aligoté.
Camembert: Similar to Brie but with slightly more earthiness.
Fontina: Its nutty, buttery qualities make a good match.
Semi-Hard Cheeses
Gruyère: Mildly nutty and sweet, enhancing the wine's subtlety.
Manchego: A classic Spanish pairing, especially younger Manchego, which is less intense.
Asiago: Lightly aged Asiago adds a complementary tang to the cheese.
Blue Cheeses (for contrast)
Gorgonzola Dolce: Its mild creaminess contrasts nicely without overpowering the wine.
If You Like Aligoté
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About Aligoté
Aligoté is used in many ways.
In the Aligoté AOC, it can be blended with up to 15% Chardonnay grapes.
Aligoté is often a part of the blend in "Crémant de Bourgogne".
In the cocktail Kir (aka Cassis Blanc), Aligoté is added to Cassis for acidity.
Bourgogne (Burgundy)
Black Grapes
34% Pinot Noir |
White Grapes
50% Chardonnay |
Red Wines 30%
Sparkling 10% |
White Wines 60%
Chardonnay |
Soil
Limestone and Clay |
Climate
Semi-continental |