Aligoté

Sextant is the project of Julien Altaber, a negociant winemaker based in St Aubin, Burgundy. For Julien, Sextant is about "Special cuvées, pet-nats, skins, fun and non-traditional wines". The cellar is seen as a place to experiment and create, rather than only making terroir-based wines with big appellation names.

Originally from the Auvergne, Julien Altaber started his career at the side of Dominique Derain in Saint-Aubin. Keen to produce his own cuvées, the two struck a deal whereby Julien would continue to help Dominique - all the while learning his trade - and in return he would help Julien source fruit and loan him the use of his cellar to produce his wines. Julien has now taken over from Dominique and runs both Derain and Sextant. Julien owns a 90-year-old Aligoté parcel plot in Puligny that he bought in 2009, and he also works with several organic growers in the Côte de Beaune and Côte Chalonnaise. A little Gamay and Pinot Gris comes in from Beaujolais as well.

The Aligoté comes from Julien's own parcel in Puligny. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel and is finished in old barrels, where it stays for 6 months over winter. Julien likes to bottle his spring wines just as they are "waking up" from their winter slumber. This period of vibrancy and change is something he wants to capture in the bottle. The 2021 vintage was challenging throughout Burgundy, making Julien's achievements with this cuvee even more impressive. Bright acidity underlines some suitably rich fruit and a touch of smokiness - a perfect example of what we love about the '21 vintage.

Tasting Notes : Citrus, almond. Textured and fresh.

Food Pairing : Salad with chicory and Puy lentils, grilled fish, or a wedge of Brillat-Savarin !

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The Geeky Stuff :

• Grapes : 100% Aligoté
• Viticulture : Organic
• Harvesting : Manual
• Yeast : Wild
• ABV : 11.5%
• Elevage : 6 months in old barrels
• SO2 : Minimal at bottling