There’s no question Pinot Noir has been quite prolific over the centuries. Coupled with Gouais Blanc, the pair has produced more than 20 unique grape varieties… One of them, Aligoté, is quietly finding a loyal following with both winegrowers and wine lovers.
As Burgundy’s second-most-planted white grape, Aligoté has long been appreciated by the French for its citrusy, mineral-driven wines. The inaugural Aligoté Affair, hosted by Balsall Creek on Saturday, May 2, presents the ideal opportunity to sample the variety. A dozen Oregon producers will gather to share their interpretations of the high-acid grape.
Master of Wine Bree Stock, cofounder and winemaker at Yamhill’s Concinnitas Farm, explains why Aligoté is a natural fit for the Willamette Valley. “As the climate becomes warmer and drier, growers are increasingly seeking varieties with the resilience and balance to thrive under changing conditions. Aligoté is emerging as one of those wine grapes. In Burgundy, it is enjoying a meaningful resurgence; in the Willamette Valley, it is beginning to reveal its potential. Its cluster architecture, structural chemistry and later-ripening profile make it particularly compelling for fine wine production,” observes Stock.