A Tour of Wine Grapes: Colombard

Colombard (or Colombar)

Photo from Pancrat on Wikimedia Commons

The name Colombard likely comes from the French word for dove, "colombe". Legend has it that the grape was so named because its white, dusty berries match the color of a dove's plumage.

It is a natural cross between Chenin Blanc and Gouais Blanc. This makes it a sibling to Chardonnay and Riesling.

Colombard was among the most-planted white grape varieties in France but is also found in California’s Central Valley, Texas as well as South Africa, Australia, Thailand and Israel.

Before Chardonnay took over in the 1990s, Colombard (often called "French Colombard" in the U.S.) was the most planted white grape in California.

Historically a "workhorse" grape in blending, it has played a major role in both distilled spirits (Brandy) and mass-market "jug wines.” For decades, it was the grape used in nearly every generic "Chablis" or "Hearty White" jug wine sold in the U.S.

But, in the recent past, French wine producers have began using Colombard to make white wine.

Typically light-bodied and crisp (acidic), it often features notes of green apple, lime, grapefruit, and white peach

Because of its neutral flavor and high acidity, it is frequently blended with more aromatic grapes like Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, or Chenin Blanc.

Colombard should be enjoyed young and fresh but because of its high acidity, it can be aged 3 to 5 years with some premium versions being easily aged for 10 or more years.

Serve Colombard wines well chilled (45°F and 50°F) in a white wine glass with a U-shaped bowl.

No decanting necessary.

A Beginner's Guide to Wine Flavors -- White Wines

One of the most common questions I get it is “Tell me what some good wines are?” While that’s a simple question, it’s also quite difficult to answer because not only is everyone’s palate different, but your palate for wines will evolve as you explore them.

So, here are descriptions of what common white wines tend to taste like. These are the broad, recognizable flavor profiles you may expect as you taste them:

White Wines

Chardonnay

The Chardonnay grape has been described as being a bit “Chameleon-like.” Unoaked Chardonnay tastes like apple, pear, citrus while oaked styles have vanilla, butter, toast, and a richer, smoother mouth-feel.

Sauvignon Blanc

These wines are typically crisp, zesty, and refreshing due to their higher acidity. Flavors include lime, green apple, passionfruit, and often herbaceous or grassy notes.

Pinot Grigio / Pinot Gris (Same grape; different names)

These wines are light and clean with flavors of pear, apple, lemon, and a refreshing, straightforward finish.

Riesling

Riesling wines are very aromatic and expressive. Flavors include peach, apricot, lime, and sometimes floral or mineral notes. Riesling can be dry (no residual sugar) or sweet.

Moscato / Muscat (Same grape; different names)

These wines tend to be sweet, aromatic, and low in alcohol. Flavors include peach, orange blossom, honeysuckle, and a grapey-flavor that’s hard to miss.

Chenin Blanc

This wine can taste like apple, pear, quince, or honey and apricot in sweeter styles. It’s usually bright and lively due to its higher acidity.

Gewürztraminer (Guh-VERTS-tra-mee-ner)

This wine is highly aromatic. Think lychee, rose petal, ginger, along with a touch of sweetness. Very floral and exotic.

So, there’s a quick look at white wines. Remember, these are the broad, recognizable flavor profiles you are likely to find. But, as you continue through your wine journey, you’ll also be able to pick out many more.

Next time we’ll take a look at red wines. Until then, cheers!

Behind the Cork™ - Chile's Coastal Chardonnays

As we’ve learned, Chile’s coastal wine country is heavily influenced by the Humboldt Current. Here are three excellent examples of the Chardonnay being produced along Chile’s coast.

2023 Miguel Torres Cordillera de los Andes Chardonnay ($20)

Miguel Torres, driven by a quest for exceptional wine production, discovered that the Limarí Valley is where Chardonnay takes on a unique and distinctive character. This Chardonnay is crafted from 100% Chardonnay grapes, which undergo fermentation in French oak barrels before being aged in French oak barrels for seven months. The wine exhibits a pale straw color and enticing floral notes on the nose. On the palate, it reveals creamy citrus flavors accompanied by a refreshing acidity, culminating in a soft and smooth finish. (ABV: 13.5%, Total Acidity: 6.45 g/L, pH: 3.25, Residual Sugar: 3.7 g/L)



2021 Floresta Chardonnay ($20)

Floresta Chardonnay is also from the Limarí Valley where the soils consist of alluvial deposits with a first stratum of clay texture and a second of clay-loam with stones. Calcium carbonate deposits are found between the strata. Fermentation took place in Stainless Steel tanks and then the wine was transferred to barrels where it was aged on lees (surlie aged) with periodic battonage for 3-5 months. Approximately 30% of the wine undergoes malolactic conversion. The wine is kept on lees for 10 months, for a total of 12 months in French oak prior to bottling. It is pale gold in color with notable minerality on the nose. On the palate it has notes of green apple, pineapple, bright acidity and finishes with just a touch of tartness. (ABV: 13.1%, TA: 6.65 g/L, pH: 3.04, RS: 2.19 g/L)


2020 Montes Alpha Chardonnay ($24)

The vineyards that produce Montes Alpha Chardonnay are situated in the Aconcagua Costa region. The proximity of the vines to the Pacific Ocean and the significant impact of the ocean breezes create ideal grape-growing conditions. Montes Alpha is a blend of two Chardonnay clones from three distinct regions. Approximately 35% of the wine underwent fermentation in barrels with varying degrees of toasting, while 25% underwent malolactic conversion. A total of 35% of the wine was barrel-aged for 12 months in French oak of the first, second, and third use.

This Chardonnay exhibits a medium gold color with minerality on the nose. On the palate, it presents flavors of green apple and lime, with moderate acidity and a bright finish. (ABV: 14%, TA: 3.53 g/L, pH: 3.21, RS: 2.7 g/L) 

This week, we’re shining a spotlight on three fantastic Chardonnays from Chile’s coastal regions. These wines are not only delicious but also incredibly affordable, making them a great fit as this week’s Behind the Cork™ Wines of the Week. So, grab a glass and let’s toast to these amazing Chilian wines! Cheers!

Disclosure of Wine Sample Submission: I received these samples at no cost for review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Media Samples Provided by Miquel Torres, Viña Santa Rita, Montes and Master the World