2024 Author: Jasmine Walkman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 08:29
Aligote (Aligote) is a white wine grape variety native to Burgundy, France. It has been grown for more than 300 years, and in addition to France it is distributed in Eastern Europe - Moldova, Russia, Ukraine, Georgia, Romania and Bulgaria. He is also known by the names Plan Gri, Grisse Blanc and Mukhranuli.
Aligote is the second wine variety in Burgundy after Chardonnay, but unfortunately remains in the shadow of its famous competitor. The plantations of aligotes in Burgundy compared to Chardonnay are many times less - 500 hectares against 12,000 for Chardonnay. It is in the listed countries of Eastern Europe that the aligote is most widespread, and in its homeland the tendency is to reduce the vineyards with this grape variety.
Although it originates from the world-famous region of Burgundy, the aligote is often overlooked and many people are happy to replace it with any other white wine. However, some great wines can be made from Aligotes. Interestingly, the DNA profiling of the aligote links both it and the incredible Pinot Noir to a hereditary wine from Eastern France known as gouais blanc.
Aligote is a medium-ripening variety because it ripens in the first half of September. It is characterized by strong growth, high fertility and high yield. With long pruning can give about 3.5 kg of grapes per vine. It grows better in cool areas, on fresh and rich soils, located on ventilated and hilly terrain. Aligote is resistant to cold winter temperatures, but is not drought resistant.
The cluster of the Aligote variety is medium-sized and almost cylindrical, compact. Its berries are small and oval, with a greenish-yellow color, small dots and a slightly rusty hue. The bunches are covered with abundant wax. The meat is juicy and has a very harmonious taste, and the skin is tough and thin.
Aligote is the original variety for the preparation of the famous cocktail Cyrus, in which white wine is mixed with blackcurrant juice. Aligote wines are not characterized by high maturation potential, so it is good to consume young. Oak barrels are not suitable for this grape variety.
Characteristics of Aligote
Aligotes produce very pleasant white dry wines that go equally well with appetizers and main dishes. The quality aligote has a pleasant straw yellow color with greenish hues.
The aroma of the wine is pleasant and fruity, tones of quince and apples can be felt. Aligote is used mainly in blends and in very rare cases alone. In the past, significant quantities of dessert wines were produced from this variety in our country.
Serving Aligote
As we mentioned aligote is a great company for both main dishes and appetizers. The fruity aroma of this light white wine will harmonize very well in a combination of aromas of chicken broth and black pepper.
Compared to many other white wines, the acids in Aligote are much more subdued and will go well with the taste of stewed onions in oil, combined with the nuance of nutmeg. Like most white wines, Aligote goes well with fish and seafood, chicken and some cheeses. Aligote is served chilled to 10-12 degrees.
Aligote it is indeed a very pleasant white wine, and its taste resembles a light flight breeze. The bouquet of flowers, which is felt when drunk, in combination with the fruity taste tickles the taste buds, and the end is with slight hints of hazelnut.
It is an extremely pleasant drink before dinner aligote, mixed with blackcurrant liqueur - the famous cocktail Cyrus. This is the ideal partner for grilled fish. Its vitality and citrus notes complement the salinity of the oysters and the strong aroma of goat cheese.
Aligote is one of the rare wines that does not prevail, but goes well with salads such as tabouleh and stewed vegetables.
The wine is a worthy companion to spicy puff pastry, snails with butter and garlic and a special Burgundy cold ham with parsley (Jambon persille).
