Burgundy’s Most Underrated Grape

Burgundy is home to some of the most expensive wines in the world. Bottles of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti can sell for more than $30,000, yet in this episode of Got Somme we’re tasting a Burgundy white wine for under $100.

How is that possible?

The answer lies in one of Burgundy’s most underrated grape varieties: Aligoté.

In this episode, Angus and Master Sommelier Carlos Santos take a deep dive into the forgotten sibling of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. While Burgundy is famous for its iconic Grand Cru wines, Aligoté has quietly existed in the region for centuries, often overlooked despite producing bright, mineral-driven wines with incredible value.

Carlos explains why Aligoté is having a quiet renaissance among sommeliers and wine lovers around the world, and why this historic Burgundian grape could be your gateway into Burgundy without the Burgundy price tag.

Along the way, we unpack the fascinating history of the grape, how it compares to Chardonnay and Chablis, and the surprising role Aligoté played in one of France’s most famous cocktails.

If you’ve ever wondered whether there’s a hidden gem in Burgundy, this episode might change the way you buy wine.

In this episode
• Why Burgundy prices have exploded and what that means for wine lovers
• The forgotten Burgundy grape most people overlook
• The family tree of Burgundy grapes including Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Aligoté
• Why Aligoté can offer incredible value compared with Chardonnay
• The surprising story behind the famous Kir cocktail
• How Aligoté compares to Chablis and Chenin Blanc
• The tasting profile you should expect from a great Aligoté
• Why sommeliers are rediscovering this grape
• The foods that pair perfectly with Aligoté

What does Aligoté taste like?
According to Master Sommelier Carlos Santos, great Aligoté wines typically show:
• Bright citrus and tangerine peel
• Crisp acidity
• Green apple and mineral notes
• A subtle saline character
• Fresh, food-friendly structure

It often sits stylistically between Chablis and Chenin Blanc, making it an incredibly versatile wine at the table.

Where is Aligoté grown?
Aligoté is native to Burgundy, France, where it shares the same genetic roots as:
• Chardonnay
• Pinot Noir
• Gamay

The grape is traditionally grown across Burgundy, with the appellation Bouzeron dedicated entirely to Aligoté production.

Food pairings for Aligoté
Thanks to its high acidity and freshness, Aligoté pairs beautifully with:
• Oysters
• Lobster
• Shellfish
• White fish
• Light butter sauces
• Fresh seafood dishes

BIG thanks to The French Wine Centre for providing the bottle 🙏🏼
https://frenchwinecentre.com/
Check out their AMAZING mixed 6 of French Reds for $250
Issue 02 Mixed 3 – The Reds

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Welcome to Got Somme, the ultimate wine podcast where Master Sommeliers and wine experts share their tips, blind tasting challenges, and insider knowledge from vineyards around the world. Whether you’re a wine beginner or a seasoned enthusiast, we explore everything from wine education and wine tasting techniques to sparkling wines, red vs white, and the best wines under $30.

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