aligote: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal/Specialist
Quick answer
What does “aligote” mean?
A white wine grape variety originating from the Burgundy region of France.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A white wine grape variety originating from the Burgundy region of France.
A dry white wine made from the aligoté grape, often characterized by its crisp acidity and citrus or green apple notes.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in usage; both regions use the French borrowing. Pronunciation may differ slightly.
Connotations
Connotes a specific, often lesser-known, wine style compared to more famous Burgundy varieties like Chardonnay. Can imply a simpler, more rustic, or value-oriented white wine.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both varieties, found mainly in wine journalism, restaurant menus, and enthusiast discussions.
Grammar
How to Use “aligote” in a Sentence
The sommelier recommended the [Aligoté].They grow [Aligoté] in the lower slopes.This [Aligoté] has notes of lemon.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “aligote” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The aligoté vines are particularly vigorous in this soil.
American English
- We sampled an Aligoté-based blend from Oregon.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in the wine trade and hospitality industry (e.g., 'Our portfolio includes a premium Aligoté from Bouzeron.').
Academic
Used in viticulture and oenology textbooks and research papers.
Everyday
Rare in general conversation, but may be used when discussing wine choices (e.g., 'Shall we try the Aligoté instead of the Chardonnay?').
Technical
Precise term for the Vitis vinifera cultivar and the wine it produces.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “aligote”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “aligote”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “aligote”
- Misspelling: 'alligoté', 'aligote' (missing accent)
- Mispronunciation: placing stress on the first syllable in English (AL-i-go-tay).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, Aligoté is a distinct grape variety, often producing a crisper, less rich wine than the more famous Burgundian Chardonnay.
In British English, it's commonly /ˈalɪɡəteɪ/. In American English, it's often /ˌælɪɡoʊˈteɪ/. The final 'é' is pronounced like 'ay'.
Classic Aligoté is typically dry, light-bodied, with high acidity and flavours of green apple, lemon, and sometimes a grassy or flinty note.
Its traditional home is Burgundy, France, particularly in the sub-region of Bouzeron. It is also planted in Eastern Europe and other New World wine regions.
A white wine grape variety originating from the Burgundy region of France.
Aligote is usually formal/specialist in register.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Ali-GO-tay: Think 'Ali' (the boxer) GOes to TAY (a river in Scotland) for a crisp, refreshing drink.
Conceptual Metaphor
WINE IS A LANDSCAPE (e.g., 'This Aligoté is all stony minerality and green hills.')
Practice
Quiz
What is Aligoté primarily known as?