Aligote

This white wine variety is best known for its use in Burgundy. Its role is either to make a straight varietal wine or to blend with Chardonnay in some white burgundy wines. Aligote is also used in Eastern Europe and the states of the former Soviet Union. In Russia it is favoured as the variety used to make sparkling wines.

As a blending variety Aligote adds acidity and structure to other varieties, particularly Chardonnay.

Varietal Aligote wines are often used as base wines to make the famous French aperitif Kir, also known as vin blanc cassis. This is a favourite drink in Dijon.

Recipe for Kir

You can make Kir by adding one part Creme de Cassis (blackcurrent Liqueur) two for or five parts white wine. The high acidity of Aligote makes it highly suitable for this use, but any white wine with a high acid content will do. Enjoy it on a warm afternoon.

To my knowledge this variety is used by only one Australian winery. Hickinbotham on the Mornington Peninsula use Aligote in a blend with Chardonnay. Their 2002 Chardonnay with Aligote was a finalist in the 2006 Federation Square Victorian Wine Regional Showcase Awards.