The Domaine du Colombier has been a family vineyard for five generations. The estate experiences warm summers and is composed of 24 hectares of Cabernet Franc vines grown on a combination of clay-chalk and clay-siliceous soil, perfectly suited for creating hearty reds.
The vineyard is located in Touraine, famous for its medieval history of kings and castles. With a free-draining terroir that is rich in tuffeau, a calciferous rock that aids in soil drainage but is also frequently used to create subterranean wine caves for long-term storage and aging.
The vinification is traditional and is done at a relatively low temperature in order to enhance the fine aromas and fruity flavours of the wines. The long maceration, which takes two to three weeks, creates tannic wines with two exceptional qualities. Firstly, they can be drinkable young, as what is locally called “Easter wine;” and secondly, it also ages very well and can be stored comfortably for well over a decade.
Christine & Olivier Jouvault
Owners