WHAT

80% Clairette; 20% Roussanne

WHERE

Rhone Valley, France

WHEN

2019

HOW

Grapes are hand-picked and fermented at a low temperature in stainless steel tanks.

The Clairette is aged in tank. The Roussanne matures in oak (two- to five-year-old barrels) for six months.

WHY

“Les Abeilles” (The Bees) is named for the bees that inhabit the vineyards in the southern Rhône Valley where this Côtes du Rhône is produced. The bees thrive in these vineyards because no harsh pesticides are used. Colony Collapse Disorder is threatening honey bees and their crucial role in agriculture. The Colombo family, life-long beekeepers and grape growers, are committed to combating this global concern and along with the Taub Family Selections have developed the Bee Helpful Program. For every consumer purchase of Jean-Luc Colombo Les Abeilles (“the bees”) Côte du Rhône Rouge or Blanc a donation is made to the UC Davis Department of Entomology in support of their research to help restore healthy honey bee colonies.

WHO

The Colombo family

FOOD PAIRING

Sushi