Expression
Chardonnay
Chardonnay
Raymond decided, when he returned to Féchy from California in 1978, to experiment with Chardonnay, this grape that is so widespread throughout the world. The logic behind this grape’s vinification – so different from what we are used to – taught us a great deal and helped us to progress. Today, it gives us a wine with great typicity, an intense nose and a streamlined structure.
Expression
The flavours’ song
Domaine La Colombe cultivates several grape varieties in addition to Chasselas. The harmony of the place and the variety allows each plant to express the full extent of its character.
In the cellar, the limit of the intervention is the research for the authentic expression. Personality grape varieties, fullness of aromas here offer a perfect balance delivering a full and immediate pleasure.
VINTAGE
Harvest on 29th August 2022
In 2022, the weather was exceptionally hot and dry all summer.
The chasselas started flowering at the end of May. We feared the heavy storms and at the same time waited impatiently for the rain. Between the beginning of May and mid-August, it rained 150mm, which is 4x less than in 2021 at the same period (it is true that in 2021... it had rained particularly heavily!).
We had to adapt our cultivation methods, for example by braiding the branches rather than shearing them and by leaving more " umbrella " leaves in the grape area. In fact, the leaves provide shade and removing them in such heat strains the plant. In addition, we laid down the grass and did not mow it. This protects against evaporation and keeps the soil moist.
Shortly before the harvest, we worked hard to remove the few bunches of grapes that had blocked their ripening due to the lack of water and that remained acidic, by passing over each plot with a loyal and expert team.
In the end, apart from the very young vines and a few more sensitive areas, the vines proved to be incredibly resilient to the drought.
We started harvesting on the 29th of August with our young Pinot Gris vines. This was unprecedented in Féchy. The berries were slightly smaller, but very healthy and particularly concentrated in flavour. These small yields allowed us to harmonise the ripeness of the skins and the sugars.
2022 shows great taste, body and concentration.
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