Domaine Michel Goubard et Fils Bourgogne Aligoté 2023 comes from the Côte Chalonnaise village of Saint-Désert, where the Goubard family has been growing grapes since the 17th century. Today the estate is run by Pierre-François and Vincent Goubard, who continue a long tradition of family winemaking centered around Mont Avril, the prominent hill that overlooks the domaine. Farming is sustainable and focused on preserving the limestone rich soils that define the freshness and minerality of the wines.
The wine is made from 100% aligoté, Burgundy's historic white grape that has enjoyed a resurgence in recent years as growers and drinkers rediscover its energy, precision, and food friendly character. The fruit comes from the Mont Avril vineyard, originally planted in the early 1900s and replanted in 1990. This is a relatively small production bottling that highlights the bright, expressive side of aligoté rather than attempting to imitate chardonnay.
In the cellar, the focus is on preserving freshness and varietal character. The wine is vinified with minimal intervention, allowing the vineyard's limestone driven profile to remain front and center. Rather than emphasizing oak or richness, the style is crisp, vibrant, and transparent, showcasing the purity that has made traditional Burgundian aligoté increasingly sought after by sommeliers and wine enthusiasts.
In the glass, the 2023 offers aromas of green apple, lemon zest, white flowers, and citrus. The palate is lively and refreshing, with bright acidity, a lean mineral core, and a subtle saline note on the finish. Clean, energetic, and highly versatile at the table, it pairs beautifully with oysters, shellfish, grilled fish, goat cheese, salads, and other lighter fare. It is an excellent example of why aligoté has become one of Burgundy's best values, delivering freshness, character, and a strong sense of place at a fraction of the price of many white Burgundies.
