by Alexandre Truffer, ©RomanDuVin.ch 2007 

As there are runner-up wines, there are also runner-up vines. The Aligoté belongs to this group. Originally from Bourgogne, it has given way, even in its birth place, to the noble Chardonnay. Light and slightly acidic, it doesn't have the structure to be compared to its prestigious compatriot. So it has been relegated to the rank of an apéritif wine. It assumes this rank well, especially because it has won its nobility as a kir.

In Switzerland, a wine-growing canton decided to give it a chance before the blanc-cassis became popular. Geneva has been cultivating the Aligoté for more than a year and has made it one of its most current specialties. More aromatic than the Chasselas, it makes charming wines that don't need the perfect fruit in order to be enjoyable.

Related Articles (in french):
Second par nature (Second by Nature) (read more in french) 
Glorifié par un Don Camillo bourguignon (Glorified by Burgundian Don Camillo) (read more in french)  
Information pratiques (Useful Information) (read more in french)