From: Burgundy, France
Varietal: Aligote
Taste: This wine shines in the glass and on the palate. On the nose, dominant notes of lemon, lime, and ripe peaches, subtly enveloped by flinty minerals and a whisper of white flowers. On the palate, this Aligote is lively and bright, with a wonderful melange of flavors - the citrus tang of lemon, the lushness of peach, and a dash of white pepper. These flavors are seamlessly integrated, evoking the very essence of the terroir. The wine’s zesty and fresh nature is complemented by an underlying salinity and minerality, attributable to the limestone soils it is grown in.
Pairing: The 2021 Domaine Billard Bourgogne Aligote, with its vivacity and array of flavors, is highly versatile when it comes to pairings. We’ve listed a few ideas for you below!
Seafood: The wine’s crisp acidity and citrus notes make it an ideal partner for oysters, mussels, shrimp and white fish- in just about any kind of preparation: as sushi or sashimi, as ceviche, in paper, baked, sautéed, grilled or fried, etc (check out the recipe below). It cuts through the brininess and enhances the fresh ocean flavors.
White Meat and Poultry: Pair it with grilled chicken or turkey with a lemon herb marinade. The wine’s citrus notes will accentuate the herbs, and its acidity will cut through the richness of the meat.
Vegetarian Dishes: This Aligote shines with salads, steamed vegetables, or tabouleh. Its freshness and zest complement the natural flavors of the greens.
Local Burgundian Dishes: Classic Burgundian dishes such as gougères (cheese pastries) or jambon persillé (ham terrine with parsley) are traditional pairings. The wine’s complexity and body stand up to the richness of these dishes, while its acidity cuts through and keeps your palate refreshed.
Fried Fish With Vodka-and-Beer Batter
Recipe from Heston Blumenthal
Adapted by Harold McGee
About. Nestled amidst the tranquil vineyards, orchards, and woodlands of the Hautes Côtes de Beaune appellation lies an enchanting family-owned winery, Domaine Billard Père et Fils. It is here that the 2021 Domaine Billard Bourgogne Aligote, a delightful and invigorating white wine, was born.
A Heritage of Winemaking
In the quaint village of La Rochepot, 13km south of Beaune, Domaine Billard calls its home. The village is adorned with a striking 13th-century chateau etched into a rocky hillside, which stands as a guardian to the neighboring villages of which nearly 20 are included in the Hautes Côtes de Beaune appellation.
Jérôme and Elisabeth Billard, the fourth-generation custodians of this venerable estate, have ardently upheld their family's viticultural heritage. Jérôme’s tenure, which began in 1999, marked a significant transition for the Domaine. He chose to bottle their entire production on the property, a shift from his father’s practice of selling to the local cooperative.
Under Jérôme's stewardship, the Domaine has expanded to an impressive 18.5 hectares (approximately 46 acres) of vineyards, spanning various regions including Hautes Côtes de Beaune, Beaune, Saint Romain, Saint Aubin, Auxey Duresses, Santenay, and Pommard. Jérôme’s community-oriented spirit and devotion to his craft have earned him the position of mayor of La Rochepot.
The Winegrower’s Philosophy
Jérôme’s winemaking philosophy is deeply rooted in "expressing the typicity of the terroir". He embraces organic farming techniques, keeps yields low through extensive pruning, and uses cover crops between vines to enhance the concentration of the grapes. Moreover, the grapes are meticulously hand-harvested and sorted on a vibrating table, ensuring only the best are chosen.
Domaine Billard is also home to Raphael, a faithful Percheron horse who once graced the vineyards of the prestigious Domaine de la Romanée Conti. After his retirement, Raphael found his new home at Domaine Billard, thanks to Jérôme’s son who interned at the renowned winery.
In the winery, a gravity-flow system minimizes the grapes’ exposure to oxidation, and the winemaking process is kept low intervention. As noted by Siyps, "Jérôme Billard produces fine wines that are always pure, elegant, and well-focused."
The Terroir and The Wine
The soils of Côte de Beaune are an intricate tapestry of limestone, red silts, and rocks. The top of the slopes predominantly features lean limestone soils that gradually become clay-enriched down the hillside. This varied terrain contributes to the unique characteristics of wines produced here.
