Au Bon Climat 'Hildegard' - White Blend

2018

Santa Maria Valley, California, USA

55% Pinot Gris, 40% Pinot Blanc, 5% Aligote.

The name Hildegard is a salute to the history of Burgundy and to her husband the King of the Franks, Charlemagne. During his rule in the early 800s the importance of wine and viticulture exploded. The Catholic Church and Charlemagne ruled most of Europe and both were interested in wine and viticulture.  The Church needed wine for the Eucharist and under Charlemagne more and more vineyards were planted in Burgundy. Charlemagne brought civilization and order back after the dark ages. Part of this rebirth was wine production.

Hildegard, his wife. became utterly annoyed with the excessive parties and over drinking and spilling massive amounts of red wine everywhere. So, she took it upon herself to have Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris and Aligote planted  in the Corton Vineyard and ripped up the Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

This bottling is an ode to that blend. It is wild and exoctic with bracing acidity and a true showcse of Jim's talent!

Pairs well with garlic roasted potatoes and radishes.