Isabel Ferrando Colombis Châteauneuf-Du-Pape, 2020

Isabel Ferrando Colombis Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2020 is a pure, refined expression of Grenache from one of the Rhône Valley’s most admired winemakers. Crafted from old vines rooted in the sandy soils of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, this cuvée showcases exceptional finesse, perfume, and texture. Colombis has quickly established itself as a modern benchmark for elegant, terroir-driven Châteauneuf, marrying depth and power with remarkable grace.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, the 2020 Colombis shows a deep yet luminous ruby color with subtle garnet highlights, hinting at both concentration and freshness. The nose is beautifully aromatic and lifted, with layers of ripe red cherries, wild strawberries, raspberry coulis, and floral notes of rose petal and dried violets, backed by sweet Provençal herbs, white pepper, and a touch of garrigue and warm earth. On the palate, this is a silky, medium to full-bodied Grenache with a striking balance between richness and elegance. Juicy red berry and cherry fruit unfold alongside blood orange zest, licorice, and hints of spice and fine-grained tannin. The texture is polished and seamless, with vibrant acidity keeping everything focused and fresh through a long, graceful finish. While already seductive in its youth, the structure and purity suggest a strong aging potential of 10–15 years, during which it will gain more complexity, savory nuances, and tertiary notes of leather, dried herbs, and truffle.

Production
Colombis is sourced from old-vine Grenache planted in the famed sandy parcels of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, a terroir known for giving particularly aromatic, refined and textural wines. The Mediterranean climate, abundant sunshine and cooling mistral winds help the grapes achieve full phenolic ripeness while preserving freshness. Harvesting is typically done by hand to allow careful selection of perfectly ripe, healthy bunches. In the cellar, Isabel Ferrando is known for a sensitive, detail-driven approach: gentle extraction, a strong respect for whole-berry or partial whole-cluster fermentations depending on the vintage, and élevage in carefully chosen vessels (often larger oak or neutral containers) to emphasize purity of fruit and terroir over heavy wood imprint. The result is a Châteauneuf-du-Pape that feels both traditional in its sense of place and contemporary in its precision and finesse.

Food & Serving
This Châteauneuf-du-Pape pairs beautifully with refined yet flavorful dishes: herb-crusted lamb, roasted duck breast with cherries, slow-braised beef cheeks, or game birds with wild mushrooms. It also shines alongside Provençal-inspired cuisine such as ratatouille, grilled vegetables with olive oil and herbs, or aged hard cheeses like Comté or aged Gouda. Serve at around 16–18°C (60–64°F) to highlight the wine’s aromatics and balance. Decanting for 1–2 hours in its youth will help the wine open up and soften the tannins; as it matures, a shorter decant or gentle splash in a carafe is usually sufficient.

Producer
Isabel Ferrando is widely regarded as one of the leading figures in modern Châteauneuf-du-Pape, celebrated for her focus on Grenache and for crafting wines of remarkable precision, purity, and elegance. Since taking the helm of her estate in the early 2000s, she has elevated it to the top tier of the appellation, championing old vines and distinctive parcels such as those that give birth to Colombis. Her work has helped redefine the style of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, proving that the region can deliver wines of both power and finesse. Consistently praised by international critics and enthusiasts alike, Isabel Ferrando’s cuvées are now considered reference points for serious collectors and lovers of Southern Rhône wines.