Bourgogne Aligote Blanc 2023

The 2023 Bourgogne Aligoté from Hoffmann-Jayer is not your usual sharp, lean Aligoté. It comes from remarkable old vines, around 70 years of age, planted on three lieux-dits in Magny-lès-Villers — and unusually for Aligoté, they sit on a south-facing slope, which gives real ripeness and body. The wine is aged for about 18 months in concrete tank before bottling, which builds a natural stability and a supple, rounded texture you rarely find in the grape.

The nose is fresh and citrus-driven, with white flowers and a saline, mineral edge. On the palate it's fuller and more generous than the appellation suggests, with a supple mid-palate, bright acidity and a clean, stony finish. There's no oak here, just fruit and the character of old vines on limestone.

An honest, food-friendly white with more depth than its price implies — a great by-the-glass pour and an easy sell to anyone who thinks Aligoté is thin.

Country/Region: France, Burgundy
Grape Variety: 100% Aligoté
Bottle Size: 750ml
Ratings: NA
Best serve at 10 – 12°C

Food pairing: Raw oysters and Vietnamese fresh spring rolls; Thai som tum (green papaya salad); Hokkien-style stir-fried clams.