Colombelle 2006: Just the first of the annual search for a summer white
Usually about this time of year, Andrea and I hit the wine store and pick up a mixed case of cheap but promising white. We go through them as the spring warms up, and when we find a favorite we get a case for the summer.
First this year is Colombelle 2006 from the Gascony region in Southwest France. 70 percent Columbard and 30 percent Ugni Blanc, both indigenous grapes for the region. Dry, but soft, with floral notes and grapefruit. Long, lemon finish - but it is a lemon flavor without the tartness.
We picked it up for $7.99, which certainly qualifies for "Cheap and Cheerful" and makes it a strong candidate for the summer white.
