Origin: old vines (40 years) facing east/southeast, on the slopes of Coteau de Verlieu. Le Lombard is not a district but a cuvée brand.

Soils: sandy, granitic.

Varieties planted: marsanne.

Cultivation: high-density planting (8,000-10,000 vines per hectare). No insecticides or pesticides, few treatments (depending on weather), small amount of organic-only fertiliser, with respect of soil and vine balance. Vigour and yield control, leaf-thinning and green harvesting to promote grape maturation. 

Vinification: the grapes are hand-picked when fully ripe, then sorted and pressed in the cellar. Alcoholic and malolactic fermented in barriques with native yeasts.

Maturing: 9 months in barriques, on the lees, no racking, regular stirring.

Alcohol content: 13%.

Output: approx. 9,000 bottles

Style: a complex nose that blends the subtle fruitiness of Marsanne grapes with the toasted and roasted notes of ageing. Highly expressive on the palate, marrying a rich and rounded feel with just the right measure of freshness.

Ageing: can be drunk for the primary aromas up to 3-4 years, but also for the secondary aromas from 6-10 years.

Food match: serve between 12-14°C with fish and shellfish (e.g. langoustine with herbs, red-mullet fillets with asparagus).