Colombard is a white wine grape that is known as the French Colombard in North America. Some believe that it is a clone of the Gouasis Blanc and the Chenin Blanc. This early fruiting white wine grape was traditionally grown in the Gascony and Charente’s regions of France and is still among one of the few white wine grape varieties that is permitted in Bordeaux wine. Old Colombard vine grapes are crushed into a fruit white wine by some northern California vineyards producing a white wine with character in sweet and dry versions. Colombard is mostly grown in California in order to provide backbone because of its natural high acidic character for white wine jug blends. Because of its naturally high acid content, Colombard is a good choice for blended white wines. The Colombard white wine grape was the most popular vine grown in California until the early 1990s, as it was often the base for jug wines that were produced for the masses. If Colombard is treated properly, it can produce crisp white wines with a pleasant minerality and a citrus fruity aroma and flavor. In South Africa Colombards is known as Columbar, and to a somewhat lesser extent in Australia.
Salette Cotes de Gascogne Blanc is made from 80% Colombard, 10% Ugni Blanc and 10% Gros Manseng.
Fresh, clean and lively with intense exotic fruit aromas. Crisp, clean and zesty in the mouth, it offers delicate flavors of citrus fruit and grapefruit, and a long lingering finish.
Enjoy as an aperitif or with grilled fish, shellfish and appetizers.
The nose here is brilliantly red fruited, with layer upon layer of subtle spice, bright floral notes, herbs, and stone. Its not all poetry and pageantry, though, and the first impression of the wine was simply, “oh that’s goooood.” A fair assessment, and sometimes that it all one requires. Further tastes show fine tannin throughout, a juicy, vibrant mouthfeel that is very likeable, and deft, long-developing layers of fruit that reveal themselves severally.
Patton Valley's flagship wine, The Estate is the most comprehensive expression of their vineyard site, and the wine that truly defines their place in a given vintage.
Review:
"Glistening red. Vibrant red fruit, floral and spice scents show very good clarity that picks up subtle hints of succulent herbs and smoky minerals with air. Juicy and energetic in the mouth, the 2017 offers gently sweet cherry raspberry and rose pastille flavors and a touch of spicecake. Smooth, well-integrated tannins make a late appearance on a long, floral-tinged finish that shows no rough edges.
- Josh Raynolds" - Antonio Galloni's Vinous (August 2020), 92 pts
The Extra Virgin Olive Oil by Quinta de Boeira, produced in the Douro Valley, is bottled in a clay vase decorated with replicas of the 19th century's tiles.
The blend of the Picual and Cobrançosa olive trees produces a fine extra virgin olive oil that is aromatic and unique in quality. The ceramic vessel ensures that the virginity of the oilve oil is preserved, protecting it from temperature fluctuations and light.