Wines made from Colombard grapes of Banyuls
Discover the best wines made with Colombard as a single variety or as a blend of Banyuls.
Colombard is one of the oldest grape varieties in the Charentes. This golden white grape variety is a cross between Chenin and Gouais. The young leaves of colombard are yellow with bronze patches. The adult leaves may be three-lobed or whole, depending on the variety. Its branches are cottony. The bunches of this variety are thick and cylindrical. Its elliptical berries are medium-sized. They change color until they ripen, ranging from greenish white to golden yellow. Colombard is associated with an average budding. It is particularly susceptible to leafhoppers, grape worms, mites, mildew, powdery mildew and gray mold. It is also sensitive to water stress, but is not very sensitive to wind. It ripens late in the second half of the year. There are a dozen approved clones of Colombard, the best known of which are 608, 607 and 606. This variety produces a full-bodied, fine white wine. Aromas of lime, nectarine, boxwood, citrus and exotic fruits are released.
Banyuls wines come from the South-eastern Part of Roussillon, in the south of France, in the lower Pyrenees, a few kilometres from the Spanish border. These naturally Sweet wines are consumed both as an aperitif and as a dessert. They come in a wide range of hues, from GoldenGreen (Banyuls Blanc) to Amber (Banyuls Ambré) to the intense garnet of the standard Banyuls Rouge. Unusually among the natural sweet wines of France, all Banyuls wines are made primarily from Grenache grapes of various colors.