Aligoté

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Aligoté
Species:	Vitis Vinifera
Also called:	Blanc de Troyes, Vert Blanc, Chaudenet Gris, and Plant gris
Origin:	France
Notable regions:	(see major regions)

Aligoté is a white grape used to make dry white wines in the Burgundy region of France. It is the fourth most planted wine grape in the world.^[1] The wine was first recorded in Burgundy in the 18th century.^[2]

Contents 1 Description 2 Regional production 3 Origins 4 External links 5 References

[edit] Description

Aligoté is produced as both a varietal wine, and as a sparkling wine, called Cremant de Bourgogne. As a varietal it is either produced alone or as a blend with Chardonnay (up to 15% Chardonnay grapes).^[3] Traditionally, the cocktail kir (also known as vin blanc cassis) is made by adding cassis to an Aligoté white wine. In France, the grape is restricted to grow in the tops of hill or in the colder valley locations.^[1] This variety is more tolerant to the cold. The grape ripens early with moderate yields^[4] and produces wines high in acidity and that can be drunk young. Its aroma includes elements of apples and lemons.^[3] The Aligote adds acidity and structure to other varieties when blended.^[5] In 1997, Aligoté was added to the authorized grape varieties for the Bouzeron communal appellation.^[6] The grape is often blended with Sacy to compliment its acidity. ^[7]

[edit] Regional production

The grape is the second most popular varietal grown in Burgundy after Chardonnay, though it lies a long way behind in terms of planted area. The vines were once inter planted and field blended with Chardonnay for the benefit of its added acidity but the vines have long since been separated. ^[8]In Burgundy the grape can be found along the fringe edges of the Côte-d'Or along Route Nationale 74. It can also be found in Mâconnais and Côte Chalonnaise.^[9] There is also small plantings just east of the Rhone Valley around the city Die. ^[8] It has its own AOC, Bourgogne Aligoté. Aligoté is also produced in Eastern Europe^[5], Ukraine, Bulgaria, Rumania and Moldavia. ^[1] In Bulgaria, the grape is prized for its blending qualities and high acid with more then double the quantity planted here then in the grape's ancestral home of Burgundy. ^[9]. The grape is primarily found in the Stara Zagora Province around Chirpan.^[9] In Russia it is used to make sparkling wines^[5] with varietal wines being made along the coast of the Black Sea around Gelendzhik.^[10] Aligoté has also been produced, although a very small quantity, by Australian wineries.^[5] The wine is also grown in Washington State where it is resistant to the cold weather.^[1] The grape is also used in California mostly for blending purposes. The Aligoté grape is also known by the names Blanc de Troyes, Vert Blanc, Chaudenet Gris, and Plant gris.^[11] There have been small, experimental plantings in Chile. ^[8]

[edit] Origins

Originating in Burgundy, DNA fingerprinting has linked the grape's ancestry to the Pinot noir and Gouais blanc grapes.^[12]

[edit] External links

• Terroir-terroir:Aligoté
• Vino Diversity: Aligoté

[edit] References

1. ^ ^{a b c d} http://www.steelewines.com/downloads/sal01.pdf
2. ^ http://www.winedefinitions.com/define/aligote.htm
3. ^ ^{a b} http://www.terroir-france.com/region/burgundy_aligote.htm
4. ^ http://www.hillsboroughwine.com/grapes/_aligote.htm
5. ^ ^{a b c d} http://www.vinodiversity.com/aligote.html
6. ^ http://www.frenchwinesfood.com/SolAuRaisin/CepagesBlancs.aspx
7. ^ J. Robinson Vines, Grapes & Wines pg 232 Mitchell Beazley 1986 ISBN 1857329996
8. ^ ^{a b c} Oz Clarke Encyclopedia of Grapes pg 35 Harcourt Books 2001 ISBN 0151007144
9. ^ ^{a b c} J. Robinson Vines, Grapes & Wines pg 179 Mitchell Beazley 1986 ISBN 1857329996
10. ^ C. Fallis The Encyclopedic Atlas of Wine pg 380 Global Book Publishing 2004 ISBN 1740480503
11. ^ http://www.internationalrecipesonline.com/recipes/dictionary.pl?160
12. ^ Oz Clarke Encyclopedia of Grapes pg 112 Harcourt Books 2001 ISBN 0151007144