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About the aligote variety
Aligote is one of the most famous white grape varieties, originally from France, from Burgundy, where it has been grown since the 17th century to this day.
Due to its relative frost resistance and high yield, the variety has become widespread in countries such as Moldova, Russia, Romania and Ukraine. Increasingly, it can be found in the United States as part of assemblages, where it compensates for the lack of acidity of other varieties. Oddly enough, but France is significantly inferior to Moldova and Russia in terms of planting areas of aligote.
Aligote loves the sun and heat – from grapes grown in warm and sunny regions, wines are less acidic and more aromatic.
Most often, dry and, less commonly, semi-dry white wines are produced from aligote, as well as sparkling wines and cremants in France – Crément de Bourgogne.
Characteristics of aligote
The main feature of wines made from aligote is acidity – it is high in them, bright and ringing. Most often, shades of green apple, lemon, meadow grasses, and acacia appear.
It should be borne in mind that wines from aligote are most often simple, not burdened with rich aromas and taste, therefore they are not suitable for important events and significant holidays. But such wines are an ideal aperitif, because thanks to the acidity they awaken the appetite and cleanse the taste buds when changing dishes.
Aligoté wines can be aged in stainless steel tanks, which will keep them fresh and open the aromas wider, deepen them and make them more intense. Sometimes they are also aged in oak, then the wine acquires a creamy structure and subtle shades of spices and oak wood.
With what and how to drink aligote
Aligote wines go well with seafood, especially oysters. Grilled fish, light salads, savory pastries are also suitable. In general, these wines are quite versatile, they can be combined with Italian and Asian cuisines.
Since aliquot makes fairly simple wines, they should be served at a temperature of 9-11°C, some French examples will perform well at 12-13°C. Regular white wine glasses will do.
Aligote in Russia
The history of aligote in Russia is dark and controversial. Ever since Soviet times, the variety has had a reputation for being an uninteresting “sour”, but now Aligote is experiencing a revival.
More and more hectares are occupied by its plantings, and more and more interesting and high-quality wines appear on the shelves of shops and wine boutiques. Vzboltay recommends discarding stereotypes, as it is very easy to fall in love with modern Russian wines from aligote.
Selection of wines from aligote from Vzboltay
Myskhako Aligote. Quintessence, dry white in Orange style
Russia, Krasnodar region.
Exposure: short.
Alcohol: 12,8% vol.
Serving temperature: 10-12°C.
The revived wine company Myskhako presented a large line of new wines, among which is a very interesting white wine from aligote, which is made in the Orange style.
The wine has a bright aroma with light hints of dried fruits, tropical fruits and peach. The taste is soft, with a pleasant citrus bitterness, with accents of fruits and citrus.
Winery Uzunov Mono Aligote, dry white
Russia, Krasnodar Territory
Aging: 6 months on yeast lees.
Alcohol: 13,5% vol.
Serving temperature: 8-9°C.
The family winery of the Uzunovs is sensitive to the production of their wines, and this wine has become one of the results of such work.
It has a graceful minerality in the aroma, complemented by sweetish hints of white peaches, ripe yellow cherry plums and meadow flowers and herbs. The palate is refreshing and mineral, with balanced acidity, citrus aftertaste and hints of fruit pits.
Winery Belbek, Aligote, white dry.
Russia, Crimea, Sevastopol
Ageing: 3 months in French oak.
Alcohol: 12,5% vol.
Serving temperature: 10-12°C.
Another young winery that produces a large number of author’s wines, including this.
In the elegant aroma of the wine, hints of peach jam and apple tone are heard, and thanks to aging in oak, the wine has subtle nuances of vanilla. The taste of wine is fresh, with pleasant acidity, it is dominated by shades of fruit.
Albert Bichot, Bourgogne Aligote, dry white
France, Burgundy, Côte d’Or.
Exposure: short in stainless steel.
Alcohol: 12,5% vol.
Serving temperature: 9-10°C.
This wine is produced by an enterprise that has existed in France since 1831. Albert Bisho is known in over 100 countries and regularly wins awards and medals.
The aroma of wine is harmonious and clean, it is dominated by citrus and fruit tones, complemented by nuances of almonds. The taste is pleasant and refreshing, with medium acidity and a citrus aftertaste.
Relevance: 18.08.2021
Tags: Wine and vermouth, Wine by grape variety