The Burgundy wine region in France is well known for producing the world’s best Pinot Noir and Chardonnay; besides these two varieties and the Gamay in the Beaujolais region, there is another white grape original to the area, but rarely exported, called Aligoté. 

If you are in Burgundy and ask for a glass of white wine at the local bar, you are most likely to be served a glass of Aligoté. The wine is light, with good acidity, soft and fresh. Aligoté is not recommended for extended aging and is always consumed young; it is very often mixed with crème de cassis and served that way as aperitif under the name of “Kir”. The story goes that a former deputy-mayor of Dijon named Kir was the first one to enjoy this cocktail; the popular drink was later named after him. A variation of Kir is Kir Royal, when made with sparkling wine.

We currently carry one of the best examples of Aligoté in Burgundy from the Paul Pillot estate in the village of Chassagne-Montrachet. Don’t forget a bottle of Crème de cassis to go with it... Or try Aligoté with Crème de Framboise. We carry Jean Arthaud (100% natural fruit) Crème de Framboise and Crème de Cassis from Burgundy.  Happy aperitif!

--Atanas Nechkov, Wine Supervisor Central Florida