Domaine Gouffier Bourgogne Aligoté “En Rateaux” 2023 | Côte Chalonnaise, Burgundy

The Wine

“En Rateaux” references the narrow rows and ridged vineyard formation of the site, planted on limestone-rich soils across the Côte Chalonnaise. Bright, saline and full of energy, with citrus peel, green apple and crushed stone minerality. Fermented with a light touch and raised in seasoned oak and tank, keeping the wine crisp, savoury and seriously refreshing.

The Producer 

“Together with de Villaine, if I could pick only one domaine from the Côte de Chalonnaise then it would be this domaine. Simply brilliant wines, year-in, year-out “
- Bill Nanson, Burgundy report

With 5.5-hectares spread across eight appellations, the 200 year-old domaine has been revitalized by Frédéric Gueugneau, who had worked previously at La Chabliesienne for eight years. The vineyards are now all certified organic. The wines strongly favour the intelligent approach of infusion of extraction, seasoned oak and some whole clusters. The results are energetic and precise. Fred is also not afraid to experiment - the Chalonnaise rouge on offer is a direct press Pinot noir that wouldn't look out of place in the Jura.

As an aside, we tried to import these wines after our 2023 visit, but they were happy selling domestically. I guess the slightly larger 2023 vintage crops have meant they can now look abroad. We are thrilled to have four
cuvees to begin. More will follow.