What is Aligoté?
Aligoté is a white grape variety that is primarily grown in the Burgundy region of France. It is often overshadowed by its more famous cousin, Chardonnay, but it is still an important grape for the region. Aligoté is known for its high acidity and fresh, citrusy flavors. It is typically used to make light, crisp white wines that are best consumed young. In some cases, Aligoté is blended with Chardonnay to create a more complex wine. While Aligoté wines may not be as well-known as other Burgundy wines, they are an excellent choice for those who prefer a lighter, more refreshing white wine.
While Aligoté is often overlooked in favor of more famous grape varieties, Alice and Olivier de Moor are pushing boundaries and redefining what is possible with this underdog grape. Pursuing a traditional winemaking style while also taking risks, this couple is working naturally to express the more complex nature that Aligoté is capable of. Their latest Aligote, PLANTATION 1902 cuvée, may just shake up the game and change how we think about this grape. The de Moor’s wines are highly sought after, with some even describing them as “cult wines”. I had the chance to visit their winery in Chablis this summer and can attest to the mind-blowing quality of their wines.
It is their latest Aligote, PLANTATION 1902 cuvée may just shake up the game and change how we think about one of the world’s most overlooked grapes. Alice et Olivier de Moor wines are sought after. Some might even describe them as “cult wines”. I went to Chablis this summer to see for myself what the fuss was about and it’s pretty damn mind-blowing.
Read more about traveling to Chablis in Weekend Getaway: Chablis Travel Guide
Their estate is between Chablis and Auxerre in Courgis. Alice and Olivier De Moor, Ecocert certified for 10 years and mainly exported now. It is difficult to buy them on the spot. We tried, believe me. The production quickly sells out at the domaine. The price of a well-deserved success. Plan to spend forty euros for the Aligote. Alice who hails from the Jura, and Olivier the Burgundian, met in 1992. Both graduated from the DNO in Dijon. Both lived and worked for other estates until the end of 1994 until their passion and strong personalities pushed them to take the plunge with the vines that Olivier De Moor had planted in 1989. Also with 1 ha rented on St-Bris and plantations on Chitry.
They openly talk about how they failed over and over. But the couple eventually succeeded in refining their wines, which are straightforward and precise, while respecting their terroir. Their conversion to organic farming began in 2005.
It takes time to produce an exceptional wine but the results are worth it! That’s why we’re so excited about their newer vintages and can’t wait for them to release these wines into the world. We’ve tasted most of Olivier De Moor’s wines this year, including a few special cuvées.
Alice et Olivier de Moor is among a small handful of the few producers who choose to focus on Aligoté. But there is an underground movement led by a group of passionate winegrowers who are committed to shining light on the potential of ancient and lesser-known grapes. It is called Cepagé Modest. Among them is a grower who proudly wears a t-shirt saying “Liberté, égalité, Aligoté”
l am seizing the opportunity to travel to their annual conference in November and participate in new master classes offered by Sommelier and Wine Educator, Nicolas Fouilleroux. Nicolas is due to debut the first professional “cepage modest” master classes in both Beaune and Paris this fall. #winenerds – Who’s in?
I’ve mentioned some of the wines and producer members in pervious posts too!
Here is to cheering on the underdogs, discovering great wines and getting into trouble along the way.
