Everything About Colombard Grape

Origin: Southwest France

History: Colombard is a white French wine grape variety that may be the offspring of Chenin blanc and Gouais blanc. Traditionally grown in the Charentes and Gascony regions of France, it was primarily used for distilling into Cognac and Armagnac. In the 20th century, Colombard gained popularity in California, where it became known as French Colombard, and was used in the production of bulk wines and brandy. Today, it is cultivated in various wine regions worldwide, including South Africa and Australia, appreciated for its high acidity and ability to produce crisp, aromatic wines.

Appearance: Medium-sized, thin-skinned, greenish-yellow berries growing in compact clusters.

Growing Traits: Colombard is a fertile, highly vigorous, and productive grape variety. It can be pruned either long or short depending on the type of wines to be produced. For still wines, it is preferable to prune short in order to limit yield and obtain richer grapes. The variety is susceptible to diseases such as powdery mildew and requires careful vineyard management to maintain quality.