Domaine A. et P. de Villaine : Bouzeron Village "Aligoté" 2022

Characteristics and Tasting Notes for the Bouzeron Village "Aligoté" 2022 Domaine de Villaine

Tasting

Colour
The colour reveals a very pale straw-yellow hue, illuminated by subtle green-gold highlights and a remarkable brilliance.

Nose
Delicate and airy, the nose opens with fresh citrus aromas such as lemon zest and lime, mingled with floral notes of acacia and linden blossom. It then evolves toward touches of white peach and pear, along with a minerality reminiscent of wet stone after rain.

Palate
The attack is lively and crisp, carried by a lovely tension. The mid-palate, of medium body, reveals flavours of white-fleshed fruit and citrus. The whole stretches into a long, saline and mineral finish, enhanced by a fine bitterness that lends great digestibility.

Food and Wine Pairing

This white wine pairs wonderfully with seafood, oysters or shellfish, as well as raw preparations such as ceviche or sushi. It also goes very well with white fish in creamy sauces, mushroom risotto, poultry in sauce, or goat cheeses and pressed cooked cheeses such as Comté, Beaufort or Cîteaux.

Service and Storage

To fully appreciate the Bouzeron Village "Aligoté" 2022, it is recommended to serve it at a temperature of around 12°C. This wine can be enjoyed in its youth to make the most of its aromatic freshness, but it also has good ageing potential, allowing it to develop favourably for around ten years.

The Pure Expression of Aligoté on the Terroir of Bouzeron

The Estate

Founded in 1971 by Aubert and Pamela de Villaine, Domaine de Villaine is located in Burgundy, France. A pioneering estate, it has greatly contributed to the recognition of its appellation. Certified organic since 1983, the estate also applies biodynamic principles. Today, Pierre de Benoist heads the estate and passionately manages 30 hectares of vineyards in outright ownership. The estate stands out for its respectful approach to terroir and its commitment to producing authentic wines.

The Vineyard

The terroir of Bouzeron stands out for its slopes situated between 270 and 350 metres in altitude, benefiting from east and south-east exposure. The vines, some of which are up to 115 years old, thrive on lean, shallow soils. The upper slopes are composed of white marls derived from Oxfordian limestone, while the lower slopes rest on brown marly soils. This unique geology naturally limits yields and encourages optimal berry concentration. The estate carefully preserves its plant material through rigorous massale selection.

The Vintage

Following a 2021 marked by devastating frost, the vines were able to build up reserves, resulting in vigorous growth and abundant flowering in 2022. This vintage benefited from mild, relatively warm weather conditions. This favourable climate allowed the fruit to reach excellent ripeness, developing a rich aromatic profile while retaining the natural freshness characteristic of the terroir.

Winemaking and Aging

The grapes for the Bouzeron Village "Aligoté" 2022 are harvested by hand, followed by a rigorous sorting to retain only healthy berries. The whole clusters undergo gentle pneumatic pressing. Fermentation takes place naturally with indigenous yeasts in large wooden foudres, allowing for slow micro-oxygenation. Ageing continues on coarse lees for 10 to 12 months, without bâtonnage, in a combination of foudres, wooden vats and stainless steel tanks. The final blend is assembled in a stainless steel tank before bottling.

Grape Variety

100% Aligoté Doré