Aligoté, François Carillon Burgundy 2022

Description:This Bourgogne Aligoté opens with aromas of grapefruit, lemon zest, and ripe yellow apple, complemented by a light tropical note. The oak aging is refined and beautifully integrated, bringing forth nuances of almond, toast, and soft spices alongside the fresh fruit.

On the palate, the wine starts crisp and lively, with fresh acidity and a pronounced mineral tension. It then develops more breadth and structure, with ripe citrus fruit and a subtle creaminess. The finish is energetic, clean, and slightly savory. This makes it much more than a simple Aligoté: it is a serious white Burgundy with character and aging potential.

When to drink:A wonderful wine for a dinner with fish or shellfish, but also particularly suitable for a luxurious aperitif. Do not serve it too cold, around 10 to 12 °C, so that the structure and subtle oak notes come through beautifully.

Fun fact:For this wine, François Carillon uses Aligoté Doré, a variant with golden-colored grapes known for its concentration and aromatic richness. The more than fifty-year-old vines are located in Puligny-Montrachet and the nearby Corpeau.

Winemaker:François Carillon comes from a family that has been making wine in Puligny-Montrachet since the sixteenth century. Since 2010, he has run his own domain, which covers about fourteen hectares. The Aligoté is hand-harvested, fermented, and aged for a year in wooden barrels, about 10% of which are new. This gives the wine structure and complexity, without losing its fresh character.

Food pairing tip:Excellent with oysters, scallops, lobster, or grilled white fish. Classic Burgundian with cheese gougères or escargots. Delicious vegetarian with asparagus, artichoke, a creamy risotto, or goat cheese.