Sylvain Pataille Bourgogne Aligote 2022
We have 5 in stock (Inventory is live and accurate)
The Land
Sylvain Pataille's Bourgogne Aligoté is sourced from vineyards in Marsannay, located at the northern edge of the Côte de Nuits in Burgundy. The region's limestone-rich soils and cool climate provide an ideal terroir for cultivating Aligoté, a grape variety that thrives in these conditions. Pataille's commitment to organic and biodynamic viticulture ensures that the vineyards are farmed with minimal intervention, allowing the unique characteristics of the land to be fully expressed in the wine.
This wine exhibits a vibrant acidity balanced by a subtle minerality, reflecting the limestone soils of Marsannay. On the nose, it offers fresh citrus and green apple aromas, leading to a palate marked by crisp orchard fruit flavors and a clean, mineral finish. Pataille's use of indigenous yeasts and minimal sulfur addition at bottling preserves the wine's purity and authenticity.
The People
Sylvain Pataille is a prominent figure in Burgundy, renowned for his expertise in organic and biodynamic viticulture. Starting his domaine in 1999 with just one hectare, he has expanded to 15 hectares, focusing on low yields and traditional farming methods, including plowing by horse. His dedication to the Aligoté grape is evident, producing multiple cuvées from different single sites, showcasing the varietal's versatility and potential. Pataille's philosophy centers on allowing the wine to dictate its own needs, resulting in expressions of incredible balance and minerality that truly reflect their terroir.
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Burgundy, in eastern France, encompasses several subregions, but it is the Côte d'Or that is home to many of the world's most expensive and revered wines. The region, primarily a single east-facing slope, has mixed limestone soils that vary dramatically from village to village and even vineyard to vineyard. White wines, crafted from Chardonnay, range from rich and opulent to lean and intensely mineral, while Pinot Noir produces silky, perfumed red wines of exceptional finesse and complexity. Centuries of winemaking tradition have resulted in every plot being meticulously recognized and scrutinized, making the Côte d'Or a true capital of terroir.
Burgundy - Cote d'Or
Aligoté is a historic white grape of Burgundy, long overshadowed by Chardonnay but increasingly valued for its freshness and versatility. First documented in the region in the 18th century, it was traditionally used in everyday wines or blended with crème de cassis for Kir. Today, quality-minded producers—especially in Bouzeron, the only communal AOC dedicated to the grape—are showing its potential when grown on limestone soils and handled with care. Aligoté typically offers high acidity, light body, and flavors of green apple, citrus, and subtle herbal notes, making it a crisp, food-friendly alternative to richer white varieties.
Aligote
Practicing Biodynamic vineyard farming follows the core principles of biodynamics—treating the vineyard as a self-sustaining, living organism and aligning farming activities with lunar and cosmic rhythms—but without formal certification. These vineyards often use compost preparations, herbal sprays, and homeopathic remedies to nourish the soil and promote vine health, while fostering biodiversity and natural balance. Many small or artisan producers embrace biodynamics philosophically and practically but choose not to pursue certification due to its cost, administrative demands, or philosophical preference for independence. As a result, practicing biodynamic farms often reflect a deep, holistic commitment to the land, even without the official label.
