Wines sorted by grape variety, then country, producer and wine.
White grape variety found predominantly in Burgundy, France, although Aligoté is also grown in other parts of the world, particularly in Eastern Europe. While the global vineyard area planted with Aligoté has been declining, the variety has been growing in popularity lately as a new generation of vignerons in Burgundy is taking the variety more seriously. Typically dry, crisp and fresh in style, and made to be drunk young. Good Aligotés can show considerable length, too. Moreover, with its naturally high acidity, which it contains even until later ripening stages, it is a welcome alternative during times of global warming.
Red grape variety originating from Italy. Well-known appellations include Barbera d'Alba DOC and Barbera d'Asti DOCG in the Piedmont. Barbera is mostly used to produce single-varietal red wines (though technically certain other red grapes can be added to the assemblage to a minor extent in most appellations) with a red fruit aroma and flavour, medium to high acidity and low to medium tannins. Some producers choose to mature their wines in barrique to give them more depth and complexity.
Early flowering and early ripening white grape variety. Other names include Grauburgunder, Grauer Burgunder, Ruländer (Austria, Germany) and Pinot Grigio (Italy). The skin colour can vary, with shades ranging from grey, rusty red to a light brownish colour. Accordingly, depending on the length of extraction in the winemaking process, the wine can be white to yellow (little extraction) or even a little rosé (more extraction) in colour. In terms of aromatics and flavours, Pinot Gris can be fruity (apples, pear, mild citrus) to nutty or buttery. It is typically relatively low in acidity and can be higher in alcohol than many other white varieties - due to high sugar levels. This also makes Pinot Gris perfect for the production of off-dry or sweet wines. It can be medium to full-bodied and oily in texture, although there are good examples of lighter, fresh and more acidic whites produced from this variety, too.