2021 Domaine Theulot Juillot Bourgogne Aligote, Burgundy

The domaine’s Aligoté comes from a (relatively) newly purchased parcel of fruit vineyard located on the plateau, opposite the Mercurey cooperage. Hitherto, the wine had been blended into the domaine’s crémant offered above. In 2021, Nathalie and Jean-Claude were so impressed with the personality and energy of the wine (whose grapes escaped the frosts this year) that they decided to bottle it solo. Vinified on lees in old oak barrels, it opens all velvety and floral before a fleshy mid-palate offers tangy, quivering fruit scored by lemon and ripe stone fruits. A lovely close featuring citrus peel and wet chalk flavour completes the picture. Put it this way: the domaine is so happy with the release that it has become a regular label in the portfolio. Enough said? It will make a fine aperitif or pair with salmon, fresh goat's cheese or even a platter of sushi and sashimi.