Supporting Sustainable Winemaking and Beekeeping with Jean-Luc Colombo’s Les Abeilles.
I am a lover of the Rhône Valley. I have explored many of its styles in the past year, and once I have the opportunity to travel back to France, it will definitely be to the Rhône Valley. Of course, there are certain producers that I have in high regard. One of them, without a doubt, is Jean Luc Colombo. He is one of the revolutioners in the Rhône Valley. Moreover, he is known for his meticulous attention to detail in the winemaking process and his unique touch of painting the labels himself.
At the Jean-Luc Colombo estate in the heart of Rhône, France, winemaking and beekeeping are not just practices but a harmonious way of life. The journey began with the acquisition of their first vine plot in “Les Ruchets” (The Beehives in French) in 1987. Since then, the Colombo family has committed resources to ensure the longevity of their bee colonies. Their approach involves:
The bees’ crucial role in agriculture is under threat due to environmental factors and Colony Collapse Disorder. This urgent situation compelled the Colombo family to act, forging a unique connection between winemaking and beekeeping. Together with their U.S. importer, Taub Family Selections, who share their commitment to sustainability, they developed the Bee Helpful Program, a testament to their passion and commitment.
The Bee Helpful Program, which has already made a significant impact with a donation of $ 55,000 as of August 2021, is a beacon of hope. This is thanks to a portion of the proceeds from every retail sale of Jean-Luc Colombo Les Abeilles Côtes du Rhône Rouge or Blanc being donated to the UC Davis Department of Entomology for research to help restore healthy bee colonies. Read more information on the Bee Helpful Program here.
The name’ Les Abeilles’ is a tribute to the bees that inhabit the Colombo vineyards and the winery’s commitment to their preservation.
For every purchase of a bottle of Jean-Luc Colombo’s Les Abeilles (meaning The Bees in French) Côtes du Rhône, white or red, a donation is made to the UC Davis Department of Entomology. These funds support research initiatives such as breeding disease-resistant bees, creating bee-friendly habitats, and promoting sustainable beekeeping practices, all of which aim to restore healthy honeybee colonies. We invite you to join us in supporting this important cause by purchasing a bottle of Les Abeilles today.
The Clairette is aged in the tank while the Roussanne matures in oak (two—to five-year-old barrels) for six months. This is a refreshing blend of lively Clairette and rich Roussanne. It has a delightful bouquet of citrus, green apple, white peach, and pear. These notes are also present on the palate. This food-friendly wine will feel like a culinary adventure when paired with fish, chicken, and vegetarian fare.
Les Abeilles, or The Bees in French, features an ideal balance of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre. This silky wine has notes of violets and plums on the nose. On the palate a bouquet of dark red fruit and a hint of spices. This wine is the perfect choice to enjoy while contributing to a worthy cause. Food-friendly, this wine pairs with roasted chicken, lamb, pork, charcuterie, and assorted cheeses – best enjoyed with a spoonful of honey. Available in wine.com
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