Vin des Potes Blanc Sec, Château de Piote

Textured and charcterful Colombard from Bordeaux

The Aubrion family have run this small Right Bank estate since 1998, when Virginie Aubrion and her family took over the dilapidated farmhouse and surrounding land. Indomitable and determined matriarch Virginie, has always been the winemaker here and now shares the work of running the estate with her son Corentin, with other family members chipping in as and when they can. Their aim has always been to return their home to its original state as a farm and their commitment to biodiversity is very much enhanced by their menagerie of sheep, pigs, chickens, horses, donkeys and ducks – their favourite Michele appearing on the labels of their Cuvée des Potes range.

Vin des Potes loosely translates as “wine to drink with your mates” and this is a thirst quenching style of Colombard. Grapes are all organic, harvesting is by hand and grapes are pressed followed by cooling to allow for the wine to settle. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel using only native grape yeasts and sulphite additions are minimal. The wine is unfiltered which lends it a lovely textural element, and slight cloudiness. Sherbet on the nose with pithy lemon and lime, a streak of minerality and a lovely savoury/saline aspect on the palate.

Colour – White
Producer – Château de Piote
Country – France
Region – Bordeaux
Vegan – Yes
ABV – 12%
Grapes – Colombard
Vintage – 2021
Sustainability – Biodynamic
Female Winemaker – Yes
Food Pairings – Pork