Colombard – fruit in its purest form
Once among the emblematic Charentais grapes, colombard reached its peak between the 16th and 18th centuries. Today it plays a more discreet role in Bordeaux, yet still stands out with its unmistakably vibrant, fruit‑forward character. Energetic, expressive, a little wild at times — it brings lift and bite wherever it goes.
sensory
profiles
Early
Late
Sweet
Acidic
Light
Powerful
Who’s behind the skin of
colombard
To spot colombard in the vineyard, look for juicy golden berries arranged in medium‑sized cylindrical clusters. Vigorous, fertile and early‑ripening, it is one of Bordeaux’s most aromatic white varieties… despite representing barely 2% of white plantings. Fresh, bright and full of flavour, its wines are low in alcohol, intensely aromatic, and best enjoyed in their youth.
And in the glass?
Sight
a pale, luminous yellow.
Nose
a burst of citrus — lemon and grapefruit leading the way — layered with exotic fruit, peach, rhubarb, floral notes and a signature hint of boxwood.
Palate
nervy freshness, driven by marked acidity, with a pleasing balance between delicacy and intensity.
In blends
within Bordeaux AOPs, colombard only expresses itself as part of a white‑grape ensemble, leaning on its companions for roundness, texture or complexity.
Good to know
- Colombard naturally descends from gouais blanc and chenin blanc.
- A true heritage grape, it has long been rooted in Bordeaux.
- Its name may refer to the doves (“colombes”) that begin migrating when the grape reaches maturity.
- It goes by many aliases: bon blanc in Vendée, blanquette in Lot‑et‑Garonne, colombier, and more.
- It thrives in sheltered sites with well‑drained, relatively poor soils.
Where does colombard grow?
In Bordeaux, colombard appears only in small touches. Its stronghold is Côtes de Bourg, but it also features in Bordeaux, Bordeaux Supérieur, Côtes de Bordeaux, Crémant de Bordeaux and Entre‑deux‑Mers AOPs.
Other white grape varieties
