Cornas, Les Ruchets, Jean-Luc Colombo

Les Ruchets (the beehives) is a precipitous granitic vineyard located above the centre of the village of Cornas, planted with Syrah vines that are up to 90-years-old. Surrounded by juniper bushes and oak trees, the vineyard benefits from an eastern aspect and is warmed by the early morning sun. The wine is gently matured in French oak for two years. Supple, it offers a bouquet of black cherry and blackcurrant with notes of spice and roasted nuts; backed by a rich, chunky finish.

Awards

BRONZE (2011) Sommelier Wine Awards 2016

About Jean-Luc Colombo

In just a few years Jean-Luc Colombo has gone from buying his first vineyard in Cornas to being one of the region’s top winemakers. A dynamic food and wine lover, Jean-Luc's passions are to create wines that give people pleasure, and for each glass to be remembered for its statement of quality. He has been awarded the prestigious Légion d’Honneur award and the winery has been named as one of the top 100 in the world by Wine & Spirit Magazine.

Jean-Luc and his wife Anne moved to Cornas in 1982 to set up a pharmacy and oenology lab. His dream of purchasing a vineyard came true in 1986, with the first vintage from his Les Ruchets vineyard in 1987. Since then his vinous adventure has gone from strength to strength, they have sold the pharmacy to focus on the wine, investing in more vineyards as well as working as a négociant in this famous region.

It is possible to take a vinous journey through this small but perfectly formed appellation or village; starting with Les Collines de Laure Syrah, declassified Cornas (the grapes are too young), moving on to the foothills of Cornas with Les Méjeans and eventually to the single vineyards of La Louvée and Vallon de L’Aigle.

Ethical production

In order to preserve the flora and fauna of Cornas, Colombo decided many years ago to work in harmony with nature. In certain vineyard plots, in which they can work the soil being not too steep and therefore prone to erosion, they use horsepower. Gamine, a docile Percheron, and a plough can remove the grass between the vines removing the need for herbicides and she uses renewable energy – she eats grass!