Aligote is a white grape that is used to produce white wine varietals. These are often used to produce white wine blends in Burgundy called Cremant de Bourgogne. The region uses nearly 15% of Chardonnay grapes to blend with Aligote to create blended white wines. Because Aligote adds acidity, it is often blended with Sacy. In Burgundy Aligote is often planted in the poorer vineyards at the bottom and the tops of the vineyard sites because land is often lost to other prestigious grapes in Burgundy. Aligote can tolerate the cold and ripens quite early. The wines that are produced using Aligote grapes can be consumed quite young and are very high in acidity. The aroma of wines made with Aligote grapes feature elements of lemons and apples. In the village of Bouzeron the best examples of Aligote are grown and represent the best examples in the entire region. Aligote is the second most popular grape variety in Burgundy with Chardonnay at the top of the list. The vines used to be blended with Chardonnay, but have since been separated. Aligote is found in the Rhone Valley and in the Communes of the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence as well as parts of Eastern Europe.
Full, well-balanced, mineral, with a hint of flint aromas. Lemon and lime flavors.
The parcels are located in Puligny Montrachet and Pommard.
Morlet Family Vineyards Ma Douce Chardonnay is made from 100 percent Chardonnay.
The cool maritime breeze and mild and sunny mountain climate create ideal conditions for this hillside vineyard located on the second ridge from the Pacific Ocean. Handcrafted using classical Burgundian winemaking techniques, this wine is dedicated to Jodie Morlet. It is ‘My Sweet’ or ‘Ma Douce.’
Full yellow color. Aromas of lemon drop, Crème Brulée and orange zest intermixed with strong notes of minerality (wet stones) and fresh hazelnut. Full-bodied, mineral driven, this wine displays a creamy texture and very long mineral finish. Built to age gracefully for a decade, this wine is already very approachable.
Propietary Name Ma Douce
Name Meaning My Sweet “Douce brize” from the Ocean
Varietal composition Chardonnay
Type of wine Vineyard designated
Appellation Fort Ross-Seaview
Vineyard singularity On the second ridge off Ocean High elevation Goldridge soil
Typical harvest date End of October
Picking Manual, small lugs, refer truck
Sorting Cluster by cluster
Fermentation In barrel through native yeast 100% Malolactic
Upbringing Sur lies with bâtonnage
French oak from selected coopers
Bottling Unfiltered
Cellaring time 5-10 years
Serving Slightly below room temperature Decanted when served young
Review:
"Lots of white peach, quince, white flower, and green almond notes emerge from the 2020 Chardonnay Ma Douce, a full-bodied barrel sample with beautiful depth as well as freshness."96 Points Jeb Dunnuck:
Croix Senaillet Macon-Davaye is 100 percent Chardonnay.
Pale brilliant yellow color. Fresh nose of citrus fruits (lemon, grapefruit). Mineral and salty notes on the palate. Fresh, supple and harmonious in the mouth.
Produced from 7 different parcels of vines spread over 3.77 hectares, planted on clay and limestone based soils. Average age of the vine is 28 years. Careful vinification. Minimal intervention in the vinification process. Modern equipment (pneumatic press, thermo-regulated tanks). Each parcel is harvested at full maturity. Destemming, slow press, slow fermentation, malolactic fermentation, aging on the lees.
Excellent as an aperitif and pairs well with grilled fish and Asian food.