Grape variety
Aligoté

In Burgundy, Aligoté was overshadowed by its "siblings" Chardonnay and Pinot Noir for centuries. However, the white grape variety has been attracting more and more attention in recent years - not only because it is genetically closely related to them, but also because it performs very well in a changing climate. Genetically speaking, Pinot Noir is a common parent of Chardonnay and Aligoté, the second being the white Heunisch (Gouais Blanc), from which Riesling is also descended. Chardonnay and Aligoté are therefore siblings. In Burgundy, Aligoté grows on around 2,000 hectares, mainly in the AOC Bourgogne Aligoté. It produces light, fresh, acidic and uncomplicated wines. However, ambitious winegrowers such as Aubert de Villaine from the Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, who cultivates the Aligoté Doré variety in Bouzeron and has secured it its own AOC there, have long since given it a broader profile. The days when Aligoté was mainly used for the French classic "Kir" mixed with cassis are therefore over - although it also works very well in this context.

Order Aligoté wines online

Domaine Fabien Coche Bourgogne Cote d'Or 2021

Burgund, France

39.00 €

0.75 l, 52.00 €/l
in stock

Discover more grape varieties for white wines.

Chardonnay

Chardonnay is the most widely cultivated white premium grape variety. Its origins probably lie in Burgundy, but today it is grown all over the world. One of the reasons for its success is its enormous ability to adapt to a wide range of conditions.

Sauvignon Blanc

Sauvignon Blanc is one of the best-known white grape varieties in France. It actually originated in the Loire - but is now cultivated worldwide as the second most important noble variety after Chardonnay. New Zealand in particular has become the second home of Sauvignon Blanc.

Elbling

Elbling is a very old white grape variety with a long history that is mainly cultivated in Germany, particularly along the upper Moselle. The wines are light, fresh and sparkling, with a strong, marked acidity and low alcohol content - which makes Elbling particularly interesting as a base wine for sparkling wines.

Weißburgunder

The Pinot Blanc grape - called Pinot Blanc in France and Pinot Bianco in Italy - is the lightest-coloured member of the large Burgundy family. The variety produces fresh, fruity wines whose acidity can vary from moderate to strong depending on the style and which develop delicate fruit flavours such as apples, pears or citrus fruits, often complemented by nutty notes such as almonds.

Welschriesling

Welschriesling is a white grape variety that is mainly cultivated in Austria and the wider Danube region of the former Austro-Hungarian Empire. Despite its name, it is not related to Riesling.

Chenin Blanc

Chenin Blanc is a white grape variety that originated in the French Loire Valley and is known for its versatility. Chenin can be vinified both dry and sweet, still and sparkling. Its flavour is characterised by high acidity and lots of fruit such as green apple, pear or quince, often complemented by honey notes. Depending on the terroir and vinification, the grape can also show both mineral and floral tones.

Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir, or Pinot Noir, is a red grape variety that is widely grown around the world today and is also the basis for some of the rarest and most exquisite wines in the world. The variety has a very long tradition of excellence, particularly in France (especially in Burgundy) and Germany (in the Ahr and Baden regions).

Merlot

Merlot is a red grape that is one of the three major Bordeaux varieties. It is cultivated worldwide, but is particularly widespread in France and California. The wines are medium to full-bodied, with rather soft tannins and moderate acidity. Merlot wines typically show aromas of red and black fruits such as cherry, plum and blackcurrant, complemented by notes of vanilla, chocolate and spices. The grape is often used in cuvees such as Bordeaux wine.

Lemberger/Blaufränkisch

Lemberger, better known as Blaufränkisch in Austria, is a red grape variety that is mainly grown in southern Germany and Austria. The wines are medium to full-bodied, with moderate to strong tannins and fresh acidity. Lemberger wines have great finesse and the potential to reflect the terroir from which they originate.

Cabernet Franc

Cabernet Franc is a red grape variety that originated in France, particularly in Bordeaux and the Loire Valley. The grape - a parent of Cabernet Sauvignon - produces medium-bodied wines with moderate tannins but high acidity.

Bobal

The Spanish Bobal comes from the Utiel-Requena wine-growing region near Valencia. Its thick-skinned grapes make it resistant to drought. They are also responsible for the almost opaque purple colour, high tannins and plenty of structure. Typical flavours are dark berries such as cherry and plum, accompanied by spicy and herbal notes.

Negroamaro

Negroamaro is a red grape variety from the south of Italy. The wines are usually powerful, full-bodied and tannic, with rich aromas of dark fruit such as blackcurrant or fully ripe cherry. The full-bodied aroma spectrum is often complemented by notes of spices and chocolate.

Here you can find information on other grape varieties.

Grape variety Aligoté