Description

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 brûlee 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.

Au Bon Climat Hildegard 2021

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Taste Profile

Dry
Sweet
Light
Complex
Fresh
Oaked

Aromas + Flavours

Pairing Suggestions

More Information

Attributes

  • Type: White Wine

  • Style: Buttery and Complex White

  • Country: USA

  • Region: Santa Barbara County

  • Blend: Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Aligote

  • Vintage: 2021

  • ABV: 13.5%

  • Size: 75cl

  • Farming: Sustainable

  • Winemaking: Conventional

  • Vegan: Not certified

Au Bon Climat

Founded in the cool Santa Maria Valley, by the late Jim Clendenen and Adam Tolmach, in 1982. Jim was impassioned by a trip to Burgundy in the 1970s, and decided to eschew his law studies and establish a winery dedicated to the production of Burgundian varieties on California’s Central Coast. Since then, ‘ABC’ has been dedicated to the production of site-specific, cool climate renditions of Californian Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, combining American vision with European restraint and sensibility.

Santa Barbara County

Santa Barbara County, located on California's Central Coast, is a distinguished wine region known for its exceptional quality and diverse wine offerings. The region benefits from a Mediterranean climate with cool ocean breezes, which help to maintain a balance of warmth and freshness in the vineyards. The county is renowned for its high-quality Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, particularly from the Santa Maria Valley and Sta. Rita Hills, where the cool coastal influences enhance their complexity and elegance. The region also produces notable Syrah and Grenache, as well as robust reds and expressive whites from various varietals.
Historically, Santa Barbara’s winemaking began in the 18th century with Spanish missionaries, but its modern prominence emerged in the late 20th century.