This white blend is always fascinating, and this vintage’s 50% Pinot Gris, 40% Pinot Blanc and 10% Aligote combination offers warm rich aromas of hazelnut and creme brlee that are cut by crushed chalk and lemon rind. It lands on the palate with a baked pastry warmth but then proves quite textural and taut with lime spray and herb flavours.

The name Hildegard is a salute to the history of Burgundy and to her husband the King of the Franks, Charlemagne.A wine named after an Empress has to be exquisite. This distinctive blend of Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc and Aligote is barrel fermented and gets extra barrel and bottle time. Combining a unique blend with long term barrel aging made something special. The lovely aroma of vanillin and hazelnuts from the oak and the mouth-coating richness makes for a wine that seems like a top-notch Chardonnay. The fruit profile is more melony than Chardonnay and the aromas are more flowery than Chardonnay. Food matches that work with Chardonnay would work fine with Hildegard.