Description

With its Grand B, Château La Colombière is bringing Le Bouysselet, an old forgotten grape variety, back into the spotlight. This descendant of Savagnin gives the wine a highly distinctive character, both aromatic and full-bodied. There are aromas of pear, apple, citrus and apricot, interwoven with a lemony undertone. Lemon, lime, lime blossom and verbena. The palate is underpinned by a ripe mineral tension and a lovely, slightly salty length on the finish. Undoubtedly one of the greatest white wines of the South-West!

A brief history of Bouysselet

Descended from the Jura Savagnin and the Béarn Plant de Cauzette, one would expect a grape variety with a strong personality! It was originally called Prunelard Blanc, due to its ampelographic resemblance to its black Gaillac counterpart. It is now being revived at Château La Colombière. Thanks to the unique grafting work carried out on 0.7 hectares in 2011, followed by 1 hectare in 2015. It is produced from prunings from a pre-phylloxera, ungrafted Villaudric plot, grafted onto a 15-year-old Négrette plot. Philippe and Diane Cauvin are embarking on this new white wine venture in the land of Négrette. Already coveted by the Fronton winemakers and awaiting official registration in the register of forgotten old grape varieties. They have named it ‘Le Grand B.’ to pay tribute to it and to spark the curiosity of enthusiasts of rare grape varieties on the brink of oblivion.

In the vineyard, in the cellar

Le Grand B is a 100% Bouysselet Blanc de Villaudric, from a north-east facing plot on rougets soil. Hand-harvested in early October. Pressing, settling, spontaneous malolactic fermentation on indigenous yeasts in stainless steel vats and 500-litre barrels, with spontaneous malolactic fermentation taking place in the autumn.

The experts’ verdict

This iconic estate of the Villaudric terroir produces particularly authentic and easy-drinking wines. A determined and enthusiastic young winemaking couple, Diane and Philippe Cauvin have chosen since 2006 to manage their vineyard biodynamically (certified in 2012). Always full of energy, they have made a name for themselves with a first-class wine tourism offering for groups and individuals alike. Available in several cuvées, some made entirely from Négrette, the style of La Colombière’s wines is balanced, refined and subtle, without artifice or embellishment. This exemplary personal vision serves as a valuable benchmark in the current development of the Fronton appellation.

• 2018 vintage: 94/100 ♥ – "Maceration imparts aromas and flavours of white tea, set against a backdrop of gentle spices, with a complexity tinged with hints of citrus. The 2018 vintage strips away its usual liveliness; what remains is richness and spice, making it a superb wine for the table, slightly more sunny than energetic."

A favourite white wine from Fronton

In 2013, Diane and Philippe Cauvin, winemakers at Château La Colombière, vinified and aged part of this wine in stainless steel vats and the other part in barrels. The result is quite surprising. The nose evokes an exotic touch of Petit Manseng with some peppery notes, plenty of body and acidity on the palate. The texture is quite grainy, giving the wine a distinctive character. The 2013 Grand B from Château La Colombière is a native Fronton white that can be enjoyed now or cellared for 5 to 6 years. You’re in for some lovely surprises. Watch the video

What to eat with a Grand B from Château La Colombière?

• Cod fillet with candied lemons
• Veal blanquette
• Poultry
• White meats
• Thai cuisine.