2022 Bourgogne Aligoté, Domaine Rollin Père & Fils
About this WINE
Domaine Rollin
This is a fourth-generation domaine, Raymond Rollin having been joined by his son Maurice in 1955, followed by Rémi from 1976 and Simon from 2003. The vineyard holdings stretch as far as neighbouring Aloxe, Savigny and Chorey, but the core of the domaine is in Pernand-Vergelesses including white premier cru Sous Frétille and reds Vergelesses, Fichots and Ile de Vergelesses. There is also 0.42 hectare of Corton-Charlemagne. This is a sound source of long-lived wines in both colours.
Jasper Morris MW, Burgundy Wine Director and author of the award-winning Inside Burgundy comprehensive handbook.
Bourgogne Aligoté
Bourgogne Aligoté is a regional Appellation d’origine contrôlée (AOC) for white wines produced in Burgundy from the Aligoté variety of grape, which dates from 1937.
Aligoté grapes have played a prominent role in white Burgundy production since the 1600s, but are now being phased out in favour of the more popular and profitable Chardonnay grape: in 2007 only 1,700 hectares (4,200 acres) of Aligoté were grown compared to the 12,800 hectares (32,000 acres) of Chardonnay. The AOC regulations permit up to 15% Chardonnay to be blended with the Aligoté.
Bourgogne Aligoté is usually regarded as a somewhat more acidic wine, best enjoyed in its youth due to its lighter nature. It is also a primary component in the production of the popular French cocktail kir, by combining the Aligoté wine with the blackcurrant liqueur crème de cassis.
Aligoté has one appellation exclusive to its grape: Bouzeron, in the Côte Chalonnaise region of Burgundy, where 53 hectares are dedicated to this unique Aligoté based wine.
Aligoté
A grape that was first recorded in Burgundy in the 18th century and is still planted almost exclusively there, though there are limited plantings in Bulgaria, Moldavia and even California. It is a moderate-yielding grape that tends to perform best on south-east facing slopes and in warm, dry years.
For your Burgundian vigneron, Aligoté is not nearly as profitable to grow as Chardonnay - consequently it tends to be relegated to lower quality vineyards. In the wrong hands and in the wrong sites it can produce thin, raspingly acidic wines that are remarkably undistinguished. However the best growers produce balanced examples with nutty and citrus hints which are most appealing to drink. The best Aligoté wines traditionally come from Bouzeron in the Côte Chalonnaise. Along with blackcurrant liqueur, it is the key ingredient of Kir.
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Description
Aligoté from careful growers today is a far cry from the sometimes-acerbic wines of old; they are very much more rounded and affable now. This has a core of white fruits and a dash of sunshine that makes it very appetising.
Drink 2024 - 2028
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