2025 Washington Aligoté: Burgundy’s Other White, Reimagined
“A great wine with attention to detail, that tastes amazing and under $25.”
The Return of Aligoté to Bartholomew Winery
In 2010 our first vintage of Aligoté was produced. For about a decade now this grape has been on hiatus from our cellar, much to everyone’s dismay. It was not a choice by us, our hands were tied.
Back in 2015, the vineyard we were getting these grapes from pulled the vines out, no one was getting these grapes anymore. Not to mention, pulled for more plantings of Cabernet, a reminder that “consumer demand” doesn’t always favor nuance.
However, 10 years later the wine is back in our lineup.
We asked Bart about this journey and he said,
“I hope it’s back for good. It’s a grape that can shine in Washington State given the chance.”
How Aligoté Shaped the “Broaden Your Palate” Philosophy
Aligoté for us was really a happy discovery by chance that we’re glad we pulled the trigger on.
The story goes:
“I called upon one of the few vineyard owners I knew at the time and asked him if he had any white wine grapes available. His answer was "yes, I have Aligoté". I googled it as I was speaking to him and agreed to take in a few tons before I even really knew what it was.”
Even though we have spontaneous moments like these to laugh about in retrospect, what takes shape by the time it gets to the bottle is far from accidental.
For us, taking these chances along with Carmenere, has only set us apart and shaped us and our philosophy to “Broaden your Palate”.
A look back at some white wine history for us (Aligoté on the far left)
What Is Aligoté? A Historic Burgundy White Grape
Aligoté is a historic white grape from Burgundy, grown for centuries alongside Chardonnay. Genetically they share the same lineage, but stylistically they diverged.
Where Chardonnay became the benchmark for richness and oak, Aligoté stayed leaner, brighter, more linear.
In Burgundy, it was often planted in cooler sites and used for everyday regional wines or the classic Kir. It rarely carried prestige, and that lack of prestige is part of its advantage.
The grape made its way to Washington State in the late 1960s as growers experimented with European varietals suited to cool nights and long sunlight hours.
Aligoté vs Chardonnay: The Prestige Tax Explained
Along the same lines of “consumer demand,” it’s worth addressing “reputational value.”
Aligoté and Chardonnay are closely related grapes from the same region, built for different sensory goals. Neither is better, just different. Different tools for different meals.
The difference is perception.
You can easily pay $35–$50 for a Chardonnay. Not because it’s inherently better, but because reputation carries weight.
Call it a prestige tax.
Aligoté doesn’t carry that tax.
“In the case of Aligoté, the reputational value also benefits the consumer. Most of these well made wines compare qualitatively to Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc at much higher price points.”
Why Washington State Elevates Aligoté
Aligoté from Washington takes on a vibrance that sets it apart from France.
Along with hotter Washington sunlight and controlled irrigation, it allows the grape to ripen differently and be presentable the first day of release. In France, this wine, like a Chardonnay, can often take years in bottle to mature.
A signature of Aligoté is its robust acid. This is a valid concern when taking a grape into a warmer climate. The concern is that in heat sugar content goes up and acid goes down, counter-intuitive to what Aligoté does best.
However this fast-tracked wine still accomplishes a new expression without losing its signature acidity.
As Bart would put it,
“Nobody likes a flabby white wine.”
Aligoté and Malvasia Bianca: Range in Our White Wine Program
White wine has returned to our lineup with expanding purpose.
Just last month we released Malvasia Bianca, a Greek white defined by its intense floral aromatics and expressive nose. It’s unmistakable the moment it hits the glass.
Where Malvasia leads with perfume, Aligoté leads with precision.
Where one is floral and lifted, the other is citrus-driven and structured.
Malvasia invites you in with aroma. Aligoté keeps you at the table with tension and food.
“Aligoté has a different mouth feel and aromas compared to Malvasia Bianca.”
These differences showcase a range of nuance.
Together they represent the direction we’re heading: expressive, food-driven wines that don’t rely on prestige to justify their place in the lineup.
Best Food Pairings for Aligoté: Acid and Oysters
Bart believes,
“Aligoté can outshine its counterparts when it comes to food pairings.”
A Chardonnay may stand out because of its oak, a Sauvignon Blanc for its aromatics.
Aligoté comes down to two things: acid and oysters.
Acid is structurally important for its ability to break down fats, which in any dish are ever-present. Aligoté wields this acidity in a refreshing citrus-forward way. It works the way a squeeze of fresh lemon does: brightening, lifting, sharpening everything around it.
Keeping these strengths in mind, it’s not hard to see that this varietal lends itself well to anything saucy and creamy. Search for “pairings with Aligoté” or ask Bart and he’ll say it more often than not, oysters. Is it a personal love affair? Rule of thumb?
After a brief reminisce, Bart told us:
“Aligoté and oysters was a pairing I tried years ago. One of those great moments in my wine journey that helped me understand that two seemingly different flavors can make things better. The sum of the parts to me is better than on their own. Salty, briny ocean bearing delicacies might all be better off with a side of Aligoté.”
"What grows together goes together." The cold, deep waters of the pacific ocean are a perfect place where some of the best oysters in the world grow.
Oysters aren’t everyone's thing however, in general: cheese, creamy sauces, sushi, citrus salads and anything else in these realms are a good bet for a bottle of Aligoté.
2025 Aligoté Tasting Profile
Citrus-driven. Structured. Built for food. Ready at release. Under $25.
Curiosity built this wine. Not reputation.
Broaden your palate.
*This wine along with others releases 3/26*
