Thought you were savvy to some of the more obscure, "Burgundian" bottlings of California's Central Coast? Try Aligoté. Burgundian? Yes, and no, explains Clendenen: "Aligoté is thought of as Burgundy’s ‘other white variety’. It is overshadowed by the much more popular Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. These more profitable varieties get the best vineyard sites and Aligoté is planted in the lesser areas. The maturation of Aligoté in Burgundy is inconsistent and slow, due to being planted in poorer vineyard sections. Burgundian Aligoté is tart and neutral. Mixing this wine with crème de cassis makes it palatable, and the 'cocktail' has become a popular aperitif. Our Aligoté is grown at Le Bon Climat Vineyard, next to our high end grapes. In the Santa Maria Valley we usually have nice ripening weather extending into early November. This long growing season is eight weeks longer than the growing season in Burgundy meaning a more expressive wine. Consequently, Le Bon Climat Vineyard Aligoté bears little resemblance to Burgundian Aligoté. Aligoté goes through the same hands-on process as all other white wines made at Au Bon Climat/Clendenen Family Vineyards."