la Colombière - 'A Fleur de Peau' - Bouysselet - SW, FR - 2023

Notes from the Winery/Importer

Cracking into this captivating orange gem is a toast to Philippe and Diane Cauvin’s hard work…which has rather obviously paid off! Having rescued the long-forgotten, pre-phylloxera Bouysselet variety from extinction, the estate continues its exploration of the unique grape. The cuvée’s moniker means "flower of the skin,” and, as the name suggests, each sip of this summer sunset-hued dream meets intensity with finesse, proving that Bouysselet is not so easily forgotten after all. POMELO & APRICOT, BITTER ALMOND, CANARY MELON

Notes on the Producer

La Colombiére is a family owned organic / biodynamic winery that rediscovered the rare Bousselet grape, and has spearheaded its revival. The winery and vines date back to by to 1970 before being bought in 1984 by François de Driésen who then focused on the local Négrette grape variety. 2006 : François’ youngest daughter Diane, and her husband Philippe Cauvin took over, obtained organic certification and started practicing biodynamic. 2009 : Philippe and Diane discover 60 pre-phylloxera vines of the forgotten Bouysselet blanc grape in Villaudric, grafting these on to 230 of their own root stock in 2010. 2015 : the domain receives biodynamic certifications “Demeter” and “Biodyvin” 2017 : a second plot of Bouysselet is grafted as other producers in the region express interest in working with the grape. 2019 : focus on wine tourism with a renovated tasting / function room and “Slow Tourism” with on-site accommodation (Gîte) and obtain the ““Vignobles & Découvertes” certification for wine tourism and heritage 2021 : Négret Punjut, a local black grape variety is planted.

La Colombière’s wines are based on either Bouysselet (whites) or Négrette (reds)