Region: France, Rhone

Grape variety: Marsanne & Roussanne

Background: The little chapel of Saint-Christophe is situated at the top of the hillside. It was built in 1235 by the knight Gaspard de Stérimberg after he gained the permission of the ‘White Queen of Castille’ to establish his hermitage on this hill after being injured during the Albigensian crusade of 1224.

Tasting notes: It exhibits classic notes of white currants, citrus and sappy, freshly cut flowers to go with a medium-bodied, crisp, focused and nicely concentrated palate feel. Made in a more fresh style than most Hermitage Blancs, with bright acidity and clean, pure aromas and flavours, it will be interesting to see how this new style develops over the coming decade or more.

Light yellow-gold. Powerful, deeply scented bouquet of peach nectar, sweet butter, chamomile, ginger and white flowers. Deep and chewy on the palate, offering spicy dried pit fruit and mineral flavours and a sexy floral quality that gains strength with air. Rich and weighty but energetic as well, finishing bright and long, with a repeating ginger note and a hint of candied fig.