The Burgundy Wine Everyone Overlooked

Burgundy has become incredibly expensive. But one of the most interesting white wines I’m buying today still costs around US$30: Aligoté.

For decades, Burgundy’s other white grape lived firmly in Chardonnay’s shadow. It was often treated as the inexpensive, sharper alternative—and perhaps best known as the base wine for a Kir.

Today, that perception is changing. Warmer vintages are helping Aligoté ripen more evenly while preserving its natural freshness, and as Chardonnay prices continue to rise, more wine drinkers are discovering just how much character this grape can offer.