A RARE imperial bottle of the aptly named Chateau Talbot is to be opened at a special gourmet and wine evening at the Talbot Hotel in Malton.

The Chateau Talbot Grand Cru Classe 1988, which is worth £2,000, is thought to be the last remaining large bottle of its vintage in the country.

Restaurant manager Dominique Ghislain said: “This is a particularly good vintage, probably one of the best in more than 20, and larger bottles always offer a slightly better wine than normal ones.

“However, only a very limited number are bottled to this size so that in itself makes this rather special.”

The menu for the evening will include English truffle risotto which will be matched by a Chateau Talbot white, and hay-roasted wood pigeon to be served with a red and Gressingham duck accompanied by the celebrated Grand Cru Classe 1988.

Owner and winemaker of Chateau Talbot, Monsieur Jean-Paul Bignon will be guest of honour for the evening.

Dominique said: “I want to keep a few surprises up my sleeve for the wines for the first two courses but I can assure everyone this will be a dinner to remember.”

The event is next Tuesday. For details phone the Talbot Hotel on 01653 639096.