Domaine Les Astrelles Bourgogne Aligote Les Lares 2022

For those who know that Aligoté is no longer just the “other” white grape of Burgundy, Domaine Les Astrelles is a name to watch. This young estate, born from the storied vines of the former Domaine Pierre Naigeon, is already making waves with a focus on precision and site-specific purity that rivals the region’s most established houses.

“Les Lares” comes from 40-year-old vines rooted in the limestone-rich soils of Curtil-Vergy. Winemaker Julien Millet (formerly of Comte Georges de Vogüé) treats this Aligoté with the same reverence usually reserved for Premier Cru Chardonnay. The fruit is hand-harvested and fermented spontaneously in a mix of ceramic vessels and neutral wood, followed by 15 months of aging to let the terroir do the talking.

The result is a wine of striking energy and crystalline focus. On the nose, you’ll find bright citrus, green apple, and a delicate hint of white flowers. The palate is taut and linear, driven by a saline minerality and a crisp, lemony acidity that keeps everything lifted. A touch of clay-aged roundness provides just enough weight to balance its steely core, leading to a long, chalky finish.

This is a sophisticated, terroir-driven white that belongs on the table of any Burgundy enthusiast. Pair it with fresh oysters, grilled sea bass, or simply enjoy it as a refreshing, high-acid aperitif.