Domaine de Villaine Bouzeron 2014

Although Aligote had long been cultivated on the slopes in Meursault and Pernard-Vergelesses, it was abandoned and gave way to Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. If planted at all, it is relegated to the flatter terrain of the Cote d’Or where the richer soil yields a rather neutral wine. The exception is Bouzeron. And the exception of exceptions from the biodynamic vineyard of Domaine de Villaine, the same name associated with the Domaine de la Romanee-Conti. The variety planted is the more aromatic golden Aligote dore rather than the higher yielding Aligote vert. The nose is a hint of vanilla, citrus zest, minerality, delicate beewax and honey. The vivacity is the first impression on the palate. This liveliness is very quenching and also has a roundness and a bite at the same time. Served blind to me by Pascal Jolivet from the wine list of Imperial Treasure Super Peking Duck Paragon in Sinapore, I went to the Loire at first and thought it was a Chenin. It was a delicious mistake. Aligote planted in Bouzeron – in the Cote Chalonnaise – was accorded AOC status in 1979.