Domaine La Colombe
My trip to Domaine La Colombe in Féchy
Not so long ago, I lost my way in a slice of Swiss paradise. In the heart of the enchanting village of Féchy, I stumbled upon Domaine La Colombe, a winegrowing haven hidden in the gentle, undulating folds of the Côte vaudoise. Here, Laura Paccot has traced her passionate path through the rows of vines.
At Domaine La Colombe, wine isn’t just a product, it’s a poem written between man and nature. Laura and her cohorts don’t try to tame nature with rigid techniques; on the contrary, they dance with it, letting themselves be inspired by the rhythm of the living.
Every gesture on the estate is imbued with this love and respect for living things. Nature is left free to play its role. The elimination of insecticides has breathed new life into natural predators, creating a balanced ecosystem. The choice of products to protect the vines, such as Bordeaux mixture, sulfur and plant infusions, reflects a gentle, respectful approach.
La Colombe is a mosaic of diversity. The range of grape varieties extends far beyond the traditional Chasselas. It also includes Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir and Gamay. Each grape variety flourishes in its own special place, under the watchful eye of the winemakers.
As I traversed the vineyards and tasted the various expressions of terroir with Laura’s excellent advice, three nectars stood out in particular:
Domaine La Colombe decided to explore complantation, an ancestral method in which several grape varieties grow side by side in the same plot. These grapes, harvested simultaneously, ferment together, fusing their unique characteristics to produce a wine with exquisite nuances. Curzilles, named after the limestone hillside where the vines are planted in Féchy, is a parcel that hosts a fascinating blend of Chasselas, Doral, Pinot Gris and Riesling. These grape varieties, which reach maturity at roughly the same time, are harvested simultaneously to produce this singular cuvée. When you raise a glass of Curzilles to your lips, you’re greeted by a full texture and dynamic freshness. Subtle notes of hawthorn and white flowers develop into a delicate aromatic ballet that dances on your palate. I recommend serving Curzilles with a grilled fish dish, a warm goat’s cheese salad or even a spicy dish like a Korean bibimbap. The wine’s floral notes will enhance the sweetness of fish, while its freshness will contrast perfectly with the richness of goat’s cheese or a spicier dish.
Next up! La Colombe Noire, a Pinot Noir de garde from 50-year-old vines, enchanted me with its delicate notes of red and black berries, cherry and a hint of smoke. Like a complex book, this wine unfolds its plot slowly, chapter by chapter. Colombe Noire, with its depth and complexity, goes particularly well with robust, richly flavored dishes. I suggest you serve it with a roast duck breast, seared to perfection, accompanied by its red fruit reduction. The richness of the duck enhances the wine’s structure, while the red fruit sauce echoes the cherry notes of the Pinot Noir. If you prefer a vegetarian dish, La Colombe Noire also goes well with mushroom-based dishes. A wild mushroom risotto, creamy and comforting, would be an ideal companion.
Last, but not least, a shimmer of bubbles in the glass, a delicate effervescence on the palate, the “De Facto” is a celebration in itself. This elegant, delicate sparkling wine is a veritable ode to joy, a festive wine that awakens the senses with its notes of white flowers and chalky minerality. Imagine the caress of fine bubbles gently bursting on your tongue, releasing deliciously subtle aromas: white stone fruits, a hint of lime blossom, all wrapped in perfectly balanced acidity that brings an invigorating vivacity. And what would a festive wine be without a dish to accompany it? To honor the finesse of “De Facto”, I recommend an assortment of seafood canapés, such as fresh oysters, smoked salmon on blinis, or lightly grilled scallops. These marine delicacies, with their delicate taste and silky texture, will form a perfect alliance with the wine’s lively character and sparkling texture.
In short, La Colombe is a tribute to the terroir. And you’ll find this story in every glass of wine you taste.
For more information: https://www.lacolombe.ch/