The wines of Domaine Sylvain Cathiard (currently made by third generation winemaker Sebastien Cathiard) are not everyday drops found in every cellar, but their laser-focused, crystal-clear, velvety house style has earned them a genuinely fanatical cult following.

When it comes to white wine, the Cathiard label eschews the loftier, bourgeois Chardonnay for the oft-maligned grape of the people, Aligoté.

While it is true that Aligoté can produce light, airy and somewhat simple wine, in the hands of a skilled winemaker it practically defines the word finesse. Think of green apple, a hint of white pepper, a touch of salinity and an intensity and concentration betraying the grape's reputation.