image from (sue me, i wasn't paying attention)


The Aligote grape is originally from Burgundy, France and produces a light white wine of high acidity, with apple and lemon flavours and aromas. It is uncomplicated and best enjoyed young with fish and shellfish. In the region of Burgundy, it has been supplanted by Chardonnay which is far more popular with winemakers and consumers and is usually planted in less "desirable" sites often at the lower and upper ends of the Burgundian slopes that are under vines, as it is hardier than Chardonnay and less susceptible to cold.

It is labelled and sold everywhere in and out of France, as Aligote, an unremarkable, easy drinking white, except in Bouzeron, Burgundy where in 1998, the efforts of the local winemakers were recognised and rewarded with the granting of AOC (Appelation d'Origine Controlee) status, the only Aligote based white wine in Burgundy to be so honoured. 

Incidentally, the popular aperitif Kir (named in honour of the Mayor of Dijon, Burgundy) a mixture of white wine and Creme de Cassis is traditionally and "properly" made with Aligote.