WHAT

60% Grenache, 30% Syrah, 10% Mourvedre

WHERE

Côtes du Rhône, Rhône Valley

WHEN

2020

HOW

The grapes are grown on 25-year-old vines and harvested manually, then de-stemmed, lightly crushed and fermented in stainless steel tanks.

The wine is refined for ten months before bottling in stainless steel tanks.

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 combatting 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

Jean-Luc and Anne Colombo

FOOD PAIRING

Roasted chicken or lamb