Michel Sarrazin et Fils 2021 Bourgogne Aligoté Charnailles Burgundy, France

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Domaine Michel Sarrazin et Fils 2021 Bourgogne Aligoté Charnailles — Burgundy, France

100% Aligoté | Côte Chalonnaise | Old-Vine Character | Unfined & Unfiltered

Discover Burgundy's Other Great White Grape

While Burgundy is celebrated around the world for its Chardonnay, the region's other traditional white grape, Aligoté, offers a wonderfully distinctive expression of French winemaking.

Domaine Michel Sarrazin et Fils 2021 Bourgogne Aligoté Charnailles is a beautifully fresh and expressive white wine from the Côte Chalonnaise, crafted from 100% Aligoté grown in the family's vineyards near the historic village of Jamblès.

With inviting aromas of fresh lemon zest, crisp apples, delicate wildflowers, and subtle mineral notes, this elegant white Burgundy delivers vibrant fruit, lively acidity, and a refreshing, lightly saline finish.

What makes this Aligoté particularly appealing is its combination of freshness and texture. A small portion of the wine is matured in large French oak barrels, lending additional roundness without overwhelming its bright citrus and orchard-fruit character.

The result is a beautifully balanced Burgundy white wine that is refreshing without being thin, elegant without being austere, and exceptionally versatile at the table.

For enthusiasts looking beyond Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, this is a wonderful opportunity to discover the charm and individuality of authentic Bourgogne Aligoté.

Tasting Notes — Citrus, Orchard Fruit and Mineral Freshness

Appearance: Pale straw-yellow with brilliant highlights.

Nose: Fresh and inviting aromas of lemon zest, crisp green and red apples, and delicate wildflowers. Subtle hints of lime, white blossoms, and mineral freshness add complexity.

Palate: Bright and lively, offering refreshing flavors of lemon, lime, and orchard fruit. Crisp acidity brings energy, while a gently rounded mid-palate texture provides balance and substance.

Finish: Clean, refreshing, and persistent, with lingering citrus, subtle saline notes, and a chalky mineral impression.

The defining appeal of this wine is its ability to combine Aligoté's naturally vibrant acidity with appealing fruit concentration and a refined texture.

The Vineyard — Charnailles, Côte Chalonnaise

The grapes for this wine come from estate-owned vineyards in Charnailles, a hamlet located above the village of Jamblès in Burgundy's Côte Chalonnaise.

The vineyard enjoys a favorable southern exposure, providing ample sunshine to encourage fruit ripeness while preserving the grape's naturally refreshing character.

The soils are particularly rich in clay, contributing to the vineyard's distinctive growing conditions.

The vines average approximately 30 years of age, providing mature fruit for this expressive, estate-grown white wine.

The Côte Chalonnaise, situated south of Burgundy's famous Côte d'Or, is increasingly appreciated for producing characterful wines that combine regional authenticity, quality, and excellent value.

Charnailles demonstrates how a carefully cultivated vineyard can bring additional depth and individuality to the Aligoté grape.

Traditional Winemaking — Indigenous Yeasts and Gentle Oak Aging

Domaine Michel Sarrazin et Fils uses a thoughtful approach to winemaking, preserving the freshness and purity of Aligoté while developing additional texture.

Hand-Harvested Grapes

The grapes are harvested by hand, allowing careful selection and gentle handling.

Indigenous Yeast Fermentation

Fermentation takes place using naturally occurring indigenous yeasts in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks.

This approach helps preserve the wine's fresh citrus aromas, vibrant fruit, and distinctive vineyard expression.

80% Stainless Steel Aging

The majority of the wine is aged in stainless steel, maintaining its crisp, lively character and aromatic freshness.

20% New French Oak Aging

A smaller portion is matured in new 500-liter French oak barrels, adding subtle richness and texture without dominating the delicate fruit.

Unfined and Unfiltered

The wine is bottled without fining or filtration, reflecting the domaine's minimally interventionist finishing approach.

The result is a refreshing yet textured Aligoté that balances bright acidity with an elegant, rounded palate.

Domaine Michel Sarrazin et Fils — Generations of Burgundy Winemaking

Located in the peaceful village of Jamblès, Domaine Michel Sarrazin et Fils is a family-owned estate with a winemaking heritage stretching back generations.

The Sarrazin family's roots in the region reach as far back as the 17th century, when family members were already cultivating grapes and producing wine in this quiet Burgundian valley.

The modern domaine was established in 1964 and has developed a reputation for elegant, terroir-driven wines from the Côte Chalonnaise.

Today, brothers Guy and Jean-Yves Sarrazin are associated with the estate's winemaking tradition, crafting wines that reflect the individuality of the family's vineyards.

The domaine's philosophy emphasizes expressive fruit, careful vineyard management, and winemaking techniques that preserve the natural character of Burgundy's distinctive terroirs.

Its Bourgogne Aligoté Charnailles exemplifies this approach, offering purity, freshness, and a refined texture in an approachable yet sophisticated white wine.

The 2021 Vintage — Freshness and Classic Burgundy Character

The 2021 growing season in Burgundy was challenging, with cool conditions and difficult weather affecting vineyards across the region.

Nevertheless, the vintage produced many white wines with a particularly appealing emphasis on freshness, acidity, and aromatic precision.

These qualities are especially attractive in Aligoté, a grape naturally suited to producing vibrant, refreshing white wines.

The 2021 Charnailles displays the citrus-driven freshness and delicate floral character that make this variety so enjoyable, complemented by a satisfying mid-palate texture.

Its lively personality makes it an excellent choice for aperitifs, seafood, and lighter meals.

Food Pairing — A Natural Companion to Seafood

With its refreshing acidity, citrus notes, and subtle saline character, Domaine Sarrazin 2021 Bourgogne Aligoté Charnailles is exceptionally versatile at the table.

Recommended pairings include:

• Fresh oysters and shellfish

• Grilled shrimp and scallops

• Steamed mussels

• Freshwater fish with lemon and herbs

• Grilled white fish

• French charcuterie

• Goat cheese and fresh cheeses

• Light salads and vegetable dishes

• Roast chicken with lemon

For a classic Burgundian pairing, enjoy this wine with fresh river fish or a platter of French charcuterie.

Its lively acidity also makes it an excellent aperitif wine.

Serving and Enjoyment

Recommended Serving Temperature: Approximately 46–50°F (8–10°C).

Serve chilled, but not excessively cold, to allow the wine's citrus aromas, floral notes, and subtle texture to emerge.

This is a wine to enjoy for its freshness and vitality. The 2021 vintage is particularly appealing for drinking now, provided it has been stored appropriately.

Wine Details

Why You'll Love It

Domaine Michel Sarrazin et Fils 2021 Bourgogne Aligoté Charnailles is a delightful expression of Burgundy's traditional Aligoté grape.

Its bright citrus, fresh apple, delicate wildflower aromas, and refreshing mineral finish offer a distinctive alternative to more familiar white Burgundy styles.

Estate-grown fruit, mature vines, indigenous yeast fermentation, and thoughtful oak aging give this wine an appealing combination of freshness, texture, and authenticity.

For lovers of elegant French white wines, this is an excellent opportunity to explore the character and charm of the Côte Chalonnaise.

Discover Domaine Michel Sarrazin et Fils 2021 Bourgogne Aligoté Charnailles at MyWinePlus.com.

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