Domaine Colombet
Saint-Joseph, Northern Rhône, France
WHERE
WHO
Nicolas Colombet
8th gen. winemaker Nicolas, 6ha of organically farmed vines. Good Saint-Joseph at good value
HOW
Collines Rhodaniennes « Cuvée des Acacias » (Marsanne) (W)
Collines Rhodaniennes « Viognier » (W)
Saint Joseph Blanc « Promesse » (W)
Collines Rhodaniennes « Cabanes » (Gamay) (R)
Collines Rhodaniennes « Combes » (Syrah) (R)
Saint Joseph Rouge « Réminiscence » (R)
WINES
Eighth generation Nicolas is very humble by nature and very humble in his pricing. Located on the Northern tip of the Saint Joseph appellation and on the border of Condrieu, Nicolas has been working his 6 hectare estate organically since 1991.
His wines are very clear expressions of his terroir and appellations and offer excellent value for by-the-glass references or will slot in as very true wines at the top of a Northern Rhône sub-section.
IGP Collines Rhodaniennes, Rhône Valley, France
100% Marsanne
12.5%
A blend of parcels from the Maclas area.
Hand harvested and then direct pressing into stainless steel. Cool fermentation. 8 months on the fine lies with some battonage.
White blossom and honeysuckle, white peach. Fresh and saline on the palette.
IGP Collines Rhodaniennes, Rhône Valley, France
100% Syrah
12.5%
A blend of 3 parcels from the same lieu-dit. Hand harvested, partially destemmed. 2 to 3 weeks maceration before spending 10 months in tank. A bright, juicy Syrah with spice and energy.
IGP Collines Rhodaniennes, Rhône Valley, France
100% Viognier
12.5%
A blend of 2 west-facing parcels.
Hand harvested and then direct pressed into stainless steel. Cool fermentation. 8 months on the fine lies with some battonage.
All the stone fruits and texture you want from Viognier but well balanced and good freshness.
AOC Saint Joseph, Rhône Valley, France
100% Syrah
13%
Blend of two parcels of Syrah - Malleval and Saint Pierre de Boeuf, both east facing.
Hand harvested and partially destemmed. Pump overs and punch downs. 3 week maceration before maturation for 12 months in oak barrique (5% new) and then a further 6 months in stainless steel.
A classic, bright-fruited Saint Joseph with a hint of savoury spice and earthiness.
AOP Saint Joseph, Rhône Valley, France
75% Roussanne, 25% Marsanne
13%
Grapes come from the Saint Pierre de Boeuf parcel, on granite soils, east facing vineyards.
Hand harvested and then direct pressing into stainless steel. Cool fermentation. 10 months on the fine lies, the Roussanne in barriques and the Marsanne in tank. Some batonnage.
A classy Saint Joseph Blanc, fresh and floral.
IGP Collines Rhodaniennes, Rhône Valley, France
100% Gamay
13%
Blend of two old parcels of Gamay - ‘Lupé’ and ‘Maclas’, both on very decomposed granite soils with a west-facing exposure. Hand harvested and partial destemming. Stainless steel fermentation and maturation.