Master French Chefs Toast with Jean-Luc Colombo Wines from the Rhône Valley

In early March, The Venetian and The Palazzo played host to the 59th General Assembly of Master French Chefs, “Maîtres Cuisiniers de France,” a prestigious worldwide organization dedicated to French culinary arts. This title is among the most envied that chefs aspire to have; member chefs are often given the highest classification in restaurant guides, and are regularly mentioned in the world’s leading food and travel magazines. 2014 marked the first time in history that the organization held its general assembly in the United States.

The wines of famed Rhône Valley enologist Jean-Luc Colombo were featured at many of the key events during this 5-day culinary celebration. Jean-Luc Colombo wines are highly sought-after in France and around the globe, and Las Vegas is an important market for his Syrah-based Cornas wines and the very popular Cape Bleue dry rosé.

A native of Marseilles, Colombo developed a strong admiration for the wines of the Rhône Valley in the late 1970s. A devotee of the Syrah grape, he was convinced that the northern Rhône appellation of Cornas offered enormous potential for producing stellar quality Syrah. Following his conviction, he opened his own wine laboratory in Cornas and developed a thriving reputation as a wine consultant, breathing new life into the then-obscure wines of Cornas.

Shortly after, Colombo began purchasing his own vineyards first in Cornas then throughout the Rhône Valley and Languedoc – leading to the establishment of Vins Jean-Luc Colombo. The wines of Vins Jean-Luc Colombo are all highly personalized, sourced from Colombo’s own vineyards and from carefully selected domains under his direct consultation.

The 1987 release of Jean-Luc’s first vintage of Cornas “Les Ruchets” was a “succès fou,” taking the French wine world by storm, and becoming the first in a long series of vintages of what is universally regarded as Colombo’s icon wine.

Early success fueled the swift acquisition of additional vineyards. Throughout the years following his meteoric rise, Jean-Luc remains true to his passion for winemaking and constant to his guiding principles, namely:

Respect for the unique qualities of each and every terroir
Uncompromising support of a sensible alliance between traditional approaches to vineyard management and a modern understanding of the life cycle of the vine.
Respect for nature and environment, from the impact of winds and weather conditions, to the porous soil so critical to the aromatic expression of the grapes.

It would be well worthwhile to seek out these outstanding wines from Jean-Luc Colombo, available through Southern Wine & Spirits:

“Amour de Dieu” Condrieu: 100% Viognier. A beautifully complex Condrieu from France’s northern Rhône Valley. The nose reveals aromas of apricot, pear and acacia with nuances of soft spices and vanilla. The palate is rich, powerful and aromatic with a long and elegant finish.
“Les Ruchets” Cornas: 100% Syrah. A concentrated wine from a single vineyard in the Cornas appellation in France’s northern Rhône Valley. This red shows a complex nose with floral and fruity aromas. On the palate, flavors of black cherry, herbs and a touch of vanilla lead into a long, impressive finish.
“Terres Brûlées” Cornas: 100% Syrah. This medium-bodied Cornas from France’s northern Rhône Valley displays persistent aromas of red and black fruit, licorice and hints of tobacco. On the palate, it is rich, concentrated and spicy, with a touch of tannin in the finish.
Cape Bleue Rosé: A dry rosé from the hilly vineyards of the Cote Bleue in southern France. Subtle hints of peach, rose and pepper perfume the nose of this elegant rosé. Complex on the palate, mingling intriguing notes of raspberry, cherry and black olive.