What is Colombard?
Old vine Colombard grapes from the Betty Ann Vineyard in Russian River Valley
Colombard is a French white wine grape varietal that is related to the Chenin Blanc grape. It is traditionally grown in Gascony and the Charentes department of Western France where it is typically distilled into Cognac. Colombard is also one of the permitted white grape varietals for use in Bordeaux wine.
In Sonoma County, California and specifically the Russian River Valley, we have some of the oldest Colombard vines that are thriving and producing excellent fruit at the Betty Ann Vineyard (over 100 years old) and Wes Cameron Ranch (over 50 years old).
Colombard typically produce flavors such as white peaches, honeysuckle and green apples and the wines are high in acidity and dry. Well-made Colombard’s produce a mouth-watering white wine that pairs well many lighter meats but extremely well with oysters and sushi.
Related
Old Vine Colombard at Betty Ann Vineyard (3 min)
Winemaker, Greg La Follette chats with Clark Lystra, owner of the Betty Ann Vineyard on the history of the 120 year old vines and how he reinvigorated the vines to keep them thriving and producing excellent fruit.
Green apples are part of the Colombard taste profile
What do Colombard Wines Taste Like?
Wines made from Colombard are typically light and crisp, mellow in tannins and high in acidity, creating a bit of tartness, similar to a Sauvignon Blanc. Tasting notes include white peaches, stone fruit, green apples and melon. Overall, Colombard wines are easy drinking, food-friendly and tastes great served slightly chilled.
What foods pair well with Colombard?
The light, crisp and tart flavors of Colombard make it an excellent choice to pair with sushi, oysters and fish. The high acidity and crisp clean taste of Colombards also make it a good match for Asian dishes like Thai green curry, a chicken satay or miso black cod. Cheeses such as gruyere or cheddar are also nice with Colombard.