Juice

When you think of white Burgundy, you're usually thinking of chardonnay. Unless you think a little more...in which case it's time to talk about aligoté.

While not as popular, or as widely planted, as the famed chardonnay, aligoté provides lots of pleasure. I think of it as white Burgundy’s B side.

It’s also a more affordable way to get to know top producers — for instance, Burgundy’s lauded Pierre Morey with this 2021 bottling.

Onomatopoeia feels right here: Zing! Zap! Snap! It’s lean and fresh and has the kind of energy that lifts you up after a long day. Just-ripe apricot, a super dry mineral finish and a perking acidity: it’s a great way to start -- and keep going.

It’s also a great collaborator: aligoté has the distinction of being a storied cocktail’s preferred grape (the classic Kir is a combo of aligoté and creme de cassis.)

Jazz

Nat Adderley’s name might not be immediately familiar, but his brother Julian’s is (that’s Cannonball, to most of us.) It’s not so much a story of his being overshadowed, but rather a natural symbiosis between the two brothers…after all, some plants grow better in the shade.

The younger Adderley was a trumpeter and composer - Nat’s “Work Song” of the titular album (Riverside, 1960,) is one of his best known, and is immediately vitalizing, cracking with rhythm. Its bluesy feel is complemented by a brisk swing, and Nat’s nimble, soulful cornet.

Nat was one of the best, and worked with them too -- this album alone features a list of legends. Keep your ears out for Sam Jones' pizzicato cello that gives this track a special tang.

Work Song

Nat Adderley

PREVIEW

Cheers!

Truly,

Kristen

P.S.: If you know anyone who'd be having fun here with us, send them to main page to see the archive of posts!:)

kristenleesergeant.com

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