Description
100% Aligoté
Forget everything you know about standard, high-acid Aligoté. The Cuvée Acacia is a “gastronomic” interpretation of the varietal. By utilizing Acacia barrels, Château de Laborde has tamed the natural “bite” of the Aligoté grape, transforming it into a wine of incredible floral complexity and “waxy” texture. Sourced from older vines in the Meursanges sector, this 2022 release is a brilliant alternative for those who love the weight of a Chardonnay but crave the unique aromatic profile of a heritage Burgundian grape.
The Look: A bright, lemon-gold with silver highlights.
The Nose: Highly distinctive and “perfumed.” Recent reviews (mid-2025) highlight intense notes of white peach, honeyed acacia blossoms, and orange zest, with a delicate hint of fresh ginger and white pepper.
The Palate: Surprisingly round and “viscous.” The Acacia aging provides a silky mouthfeel that coats the palate with flavors of yellow apple and lemon curd, perfectly balanced by a streak of saline acidity.
The Finish: Clean, persistent, and floral, with a lingering note of dried herbs and wet stones.
Producer Profile
The Renaissance of a Burgundian Icon | Hervé Kerlann
Located in the heart of the Côte-d’Or near Beaune, Château de Laborde is a historic estate dating back to 1678. After centuries of prestige followed by a period of dormancy, the estate was revitalized in 1998 by Hervé Kerlann.
Today, it stands as a symbol of the “New Burgundy” a producer that honors the rigid traditions of the region while embracing modern precision and accessibility.
“Terroir Without Borders”
Hervé Kerlann’s approach is defined by a deep respect for the Climats of Burgundy.
The estate focuses on minimal intervention to allow the specific geological identity of each plot from Gevrey-Chambertin to Chambolle-Musigny to speak clearly in the glass.
- Precision Viticulture: Meticulous vineyard management focusing on soil health and biodiversity.
- The “Kerlann” Touch: A winemaking style that prioritizes purity of fruit and elegant tannin structures over heavy oak extraction.
- Heritage Aging: All wines are aged in the Château’s vaulted 14th and 17th-century cellars, providing the perfect natural environment for slow, graceful maturation.
Tasting Notes
Decanter 91
"A standout IGP. This is Aligote taken to a new level of sophistication. Textural, bright, and incredibly aromatic." [Decanter, 01/03/2025]
JancisRobinson.com 16.5/20
"Serious Aligote. The wood aging has added real weight and interest here. Very smart winemaking from Kerlann." [JancisRobinson.com, 01/11/2024]
James Suckling 92
"A very unique and floral Aligote… showing notes of honeysuckle and sliced peaches. Medium body with a creamy texture and a fresh finish." [James Suckling, 01/06/2024]
