2023 | Maison Shaps Bouzeron "Les Clous" | Burgundy | France

Old-vine Aligoté from Bouzeron — the one Burgundy village devoted to the grape — made by a Virginia-to-Burgundy vigneron.

Maison Shaps is the Burgundy project of Michael Shaps, a Virginia native who trained in Beaune and has made wine on both sides of the Atlantic for decades. This comes from Bouzeron, the only appellation in Burgundy dedicated to Aligoté — here from old vines of the prized Aligoté Doré clone, fermented sur lie for texture and depth.

Old-vine Bouzeron Aligoté from a serious grower is one of Burgundy's smartest white buys. Bouzeron, Aligoté Doré, old vines, sur lie → Aligoté's benchmark village → you're drinking white Burgundy's best-kept secret.

• Aligoté (Aligoté Doré clone)
• Bouzeron — Côte Chalonnaise, Burgundy
• Maison Shaps — Michael Shaps
• Old vines; fermented sur lie

Green apple, citrus and white flowers over a saline, chalky palate with bright acidity and a textured, sur-lie finish. Translation: Aligoté at its best — crisp and citrusy but with real texture and mineral depth from old vines and lees aging. The smart, food-loving alternative to Chardonnay.

Old-vine Bouzeron from Aligoté's home village. Exactly the white for oysters, goat cheese, or an apéritif with substance.