At a glance

Producer

Sylvain Pataille

Region

Bourgogne, France

Grape variety

Aligoté

Wine type

White

Body

Light-bodied and Crisp

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$28 - $45 USD

Tasting profile

Crisp citrus (lemon zest, green apple), white flowers, chalky minerality, subtle herbal notes.

Evolution: Gains nutty, creamy complexity and deeper mineral notes after 1-3 years in bottle.

At peak: Most expressive between 2024-2026, balancing freshness and bottle development.

Structure

Acidity

High

Tannins

Very low (white wine, minimal extraction)

Alcohol

Moderate (12-13%)

Aging potential

Medium-term (drink best within 3-6 years of vintage)

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2031 to 2040

Optimal window

2027 to 2043

Current status

Ready to drink

Current condition

Bright, fresh, showing primary fruit with lively acidity.

Aligoté from Pataille is intended for early to mid-term enjoyment, with primary fruit and lively acidity now, evolving to add savory and mineral nuances after a couple years, but not built for extended cellaring beyond 5-7 years.

Food pairing

Fresh oysters, goat cheese, salade niçoise, grilled fish, vegetable tart, sashimi.

Serving

Decant

Not required

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 9/10

Hand-harvested, native yeasts, minimal sulfur, no herbicides or pesticides, cover cropping, plowing by horse, recycled/eco-friendly packaging.

Sylvain Pataille is renowned for his hands-on, eco-conscious approach: certified organic, in conversion to biodynamics, eschewing synthetic chemicals, using green energy where possible, and prioritizing soil health. Winemaking is non-interventionist and packaging has moved toward lightweight bottles and recycled materials. The only notable carbon impact comes from export distances. Overall, this is an exemplar of sustainable Burgundy white winemaking.