Bourgogne Aligoté Auvonnes au Pépé 2023 Sylvain Pataille | Burgundy

Sylvain Pataille 's Bourgogne Aligoté Les Auvonnes au Pépé is an exploration of the purity of the Marsannay terroir, and one of the most accomplished expressions of BurgundyAligoté. The 30-year-old vines take root mid-slope, at an altitude of 250 meters, in soils of clay, marl and limestone. Grown organically with biodynamic practices, this Aligoté reveals a precise understanding of its particular terroir. After hand harvesting, the Sylvain Pataille wine estate 's natural, respectful approach continues in the cellar. Fermentation with indigenous yeasts and ageing for twelve months in old barrels sublimate all the mineral tension and aromatic depth of this parcel.

Philippe Mischler, sommelier at Mundovin : Sylvain Pataille 's Bourgogne Aligoté Les Auvonnes au Pépé is a game-changer for a grape variety still relegated to second place behind Chardonnay. Sylvain Pataille 's choice to age in old barrels gives the cuvée extra texture without smoothing out the expression of the grape variety, which expresses itself with great nobility. Its youth already offers a real gourmet pleasure, but five to eight years of cellaring will give it even greater complexity.

The nose exhales ripe aromas of lime, bergamot and white flowers. Notes of fresh brioche and butter mingle with damp chalky minerality and a hint of iodine. The whole is precise and luminous, promising a tasting of the highest order.

The palate is incredibly pure, with a perfect balance between velvety substance and straightforward acidity. Tension drives flavors of tangerine, white peach and honeysuckle. The delicately buttery persistence gradually gives way to a finely chalky texture, lingering on a vibrantly saline finish. Sublime!