The fresh classic from Sud-Ouest with new relevance in the world of natural wine

Colombard is a green grape variety with roots in southwestern France, where it has traditionally been used in the production of Armagnac and Cognac – but which is currently experiencing a renaissance in modern natural wine, biodynamic wine and organic wine production. The grape is a natural cross between Chenin Blanc and Gouais Blanc and is mentioned in French documents as early as the 17th century under the name “Colombar”.

For many years, Colombard was considered a neutral “bulk-dove”, especially in western France and overseas in California and South Africa. But with the increasing focus on terroir and freshness, Colombard has taken on a new role – especially in smaller, quality-driven productions in southwestern France and Gascony, where it is often vinified as a natural wine without additives.

Colombard is currently planted on approximately 11,000–13,000 hectares globally, the majority of which is found in France – particularly in Gascony (Côtes de Gascogne), as well as parts of Gers, Landes and Lot-et-Garonne. Here it is used both alone and in blends with Gros Manseng and Ugni Blanc, particularly in fresh, dry white wines with low alcohol and high acidity. Colombard is also increasingly used by winemakers working with organic, biodynamic and low-intervention methods.

What makes Colombard unique is its combination of high, vibrant acidity, low alcohol and an aromatic profile that ranges from lime and green apples to white peach and spicy flowers. It is excellent at retaining freshness – even in hot conditions – and has therefore become popular with winemakers looking to produce light and clean wines without the addition of sulphur. In some cases, Colombard is also used for orange wine, where it provides structure and spicy complexity after a short maceration.

In the natural wine world, Colombard is one of the grapes that is gaining attention again today – both as a solo artist and as an acid-driven partner in cuvées where freshness and low alcohol are at the center. Especially in the Sud-Ouest, where young winemakers like Sébastien Fézas from Domaine Jean Daugé are working with Colombard in small quantities, the grape stands out as a natural and terroir-true communicator of the area’s wild energy and rural character.