The Combiers have been aware of this natural approach long before organic farming was fashionable. All their vineyards and surrounding orchards have been farmed organically for the last 30 years.
A hands on winegrower, Laurent Combier likes to describe himself as a self-taught entrepreneur, he is a passionate and down to earth man. His winery located near Pont de lÂ’Isere, amply demonstrates his philosophy: it is welcoming and bright on the visitors side, sober and rational on the winemaking side.
The Cuvee L is a new addition to the range from Laurent Combier and exhibits all the class and finesse that we have come to expect from this extremely talented winemaker and charming man.
Hand harvested from Laurents own imaculate vineyards and vinified in his new cellar, equipped as one would expect with the most modern equipment. Laurent however, believes - as do many of the great winemakers - that fine wines are grown not made and he, as far as possible, takes a hands off approach to the winemaking, using for example wild yeasts for fermentation.
The grapes are manually harvested, then sorted and pressed before being fermented in stainless steel tanks, which are temperature controlled. The grapes are allowed to macerate for 20-30 days, this allows deep colours and a great depth of flavours. Once the fermentation process is complete, the wine is matured in new barrels. At this stage of vinification the wine is tasted regularly, monitoring the development of tannins imparted by the wood.
Spectacularly deep and dark in colour with an almost silky sheen. The nose is a complex melange of fruit, secondary aromas like tar and leather and a touch of spicy oak. This is echoed on the palate. The tannins are firm but ripe and elegant and the finish is extremely long and fine.
