2023 Bourgogne Aligoté Saint Urbain, Domaine Jean Fournier

• Style: Crisp, mineral-driven white
• Taste: Lemon, grapefruit, red apple, saline snap with mineral length
• Food: Oysters, shellfish, white fish, soft cheeses, vegetables
• Occasion: Sunday lunch, date night, aperitivo
• Serve: Chilled, 8–10°C

In the Glass — Tasting Notes

Whistle-clean and bright, this Aligoté opens with white grapefruit and lemon on the nose, shifting to red apple and citrus on the palate. A saline, mineral finish cuts with precision—the hallmark of Burgundy's limestone terroir. At 12.5% alcohol and shaped by the cool 2023 vintage, it sits lithe and refreshing, with the kind of snap that demands another sip. Ten months in used 600L oak barrels adds subtle weight without overwhelming its natural freshness.

The Winery — Domaine Jean Fournier

One of Marsannay's most established producers, Domaine Jean Fournier is steered by Laurent Fournier, who joined his father Jean in 2001 and has since become one of Burgundy's most persuasive champions of underrated Aligoté. The family's three-generation commitment to the region stretches back to 1964, when Jean first recognised the potential in the limestone soils of Marsannay-la-Côte. Across 22 hectares, the domaine has farmed organically since the early 2000s, working high-density vineyards by horse to preserve soil structure and let roots drive deep. This parcel's Aligoté doré was planted between 1921 and 1945, contributing complexity and mineral precision to the final blend.

At Your Table — Food Pairing & Serving

Pour it cold—8 to 10°C—and it becomes an uncomplicated glass before dinner, or pair it alongside oysters, clams, steamed seafood, and soft cheeses. The natural acidity cuts through rich shellfish and oily fish with ease, making it equally at home with lighter vegetarian fare. If you're exploring white France beyond Chardonnay, or seeking a vegan-friendly white that doesn't compromise on character, this is where to begin. It proves why Aligoté, in the right hands, deserves far more attention than it receives.