Raise your wine glass to summer 2026, with Colombelle, Fiorente, Moderato and Vendômois Wines

This summer, discover a selection of refreshing drinks, the limited-edition Colombelle wine with its festive spirit, the elegant grey wines from the Coteaux du Vendômois, made from the rare Pineau d’Aunis grape, plus Fiorente, the Italian elderflower liqueur, perfect for a Hugo Spritz, and even Moderato’s light, fruity alcohol-free rosé. Ideal suggestions to elevate aperitifs, barbecues, and sunny meals with freshness and conviviality. By AL & AP

Let’s start this tour with the limited edition wine of Colombelle 2025, imagined by Plaimont cooperative. This Gers’ iconic Primeur wine goes into a Disco mood, with this original label. Therefore, this Colombelle Limited Edition 2025 marks a return to its Gascon roots, celebrating the iconic Colombard grape and the expertise of Plaimont’s winemakers. Night-harvested to preserve freshness and aromatic intensity, this dry white wine reveals vibrant notes of lime, grapefruit, nectarine and also exotic fruits. Therefore, better known as crisp, fresh, and deliciously fruity, this refreshing cuvée would naturally bring every meal to a lively and refreshing finish, capturing the distinctive character of the Gascogne region terroir in every glass. For information, anchored in this region, the Gers department, but not only, would come alive to the rhythm of this festive vintage, perfectly blending winemaking tradition with a celebratory spirit, that has already won over countless wine enthusiasts.

More details on their official website.

After this festive part, come grey wines, mainly emanating from the Coteaux du Vendômois, and exclusively produced from Pineau d’Aunis, a rare and historic grape variety, unique to the region. Once widely cultivated, it now survives on only 140 hectares here (and in a handful of villages along the Cher Valley), having largely been replaced elsewhere by Cabernet Franc. In the historic Coteaux du Vendômois vineyard, established since the 5th century along the bends of the Loir River, taste the Cuvée Jasmine 2025 by Domaine Martellière in Montoire-sur-le-Loir, able to showcase the full potential of this Pineau d’Aunis heritage. This pale grey wine, adorned with its bright silvery hue, reveals an intense floral bouquet of peony, enhanced by fruity aromas of pear and mirabelle plum. On the palate, it is round, crisp, and beautifully textured, finishing with a delicate peppery note. This juice may perfectly pairs with grilled dishes, or expressive cheeses, such as Camembert and Pont-l’Évêque. Then, why not discover another beautiful expression with a new gem? Also, very representative from this clay-limestone type terroir, spread all over the AOP Coteaux du Vendômois, which covers 125 hectares across 28 villages. The organic Gris Bodin 2025, imagined this time by the Domaine Colin, features a brilliant salmon-pink dress, as for a mineral nose, along red berry aromas, and a fresh, long-lasting palate, full of hints of mint and spice. A good idea that would beautifully pairs with shrimps, langoustines, or any other grilled fish.

More details on their official website.

Then, let’s turn to your next refreshing aperitif, by discovering Fiorente, an Italian elderflower based liqueur from Piedmont. Introduced in June 2014 (despite packaging that suggests a much older heritage), this modern liqueur stands out with its amber colour and its naturally floral and herbal aromas. Less sweet than many competitors, it seems that Fiorente was specifically created for bartenders, notably through a collaboration between the Francoli Distillery and London-based distributor Bibendum. Its name, meaning flourishing, pays tribute to Flora, the Roman goddess of flowers and vegetation. Made by macerating dried elderflower blossoms in neutral grape spirit, it is then blended with a touch of spearmint essence, along lemon juice, and beet sugar. The elder tree (also known as Sambucus), traditionally found in wetland areas, has been valued since ancient times for its remarkable properties. The result resides in a stylish and versatile liqueur, since Fiorente is ideal for enhancing cocktails. By the way, one of the finest aperitivo serves is undoubtedly the Hugo Spritz, simply to be prepared with Prosecco, sparkling water, and of course Fiorente. 

More details on their official website.

In the fast-growing world of alcohol-free wines, the Moderato project proposes La Cuvée Révolutionnaire, that stands out for its originality. Based on a unique blend of two emblematic South-West French grape varieties, Gros Manseng and Merlot. Indeed, this no-alcohol wine combines the fruity roundness of Merlot with the bright acidity of Gros Manseng variety, creating a dry, elegant, and well-balanced rosé. Its bright pale pink colour introduces an expressive nose of ripe and tangy red berries. On the palate, this wine appears as smooth, round, and refreshingly vibrant, finishing with a crisp, thirst-quenching finish. With only 10 kcal per 100 ml, it may as well appeal to consumers, seeking lighter alternatives. Thereafter, it is recommended serving it between 8 and 10°C as an aperitif, or alongside light starters, summer salads, and fruit-based desserts. The result is an elegant, convivial, and refined, this so-called Moderato wine proves that removing alcohol does not necessarily mean sacrificing the pleasure of wine. A true summer success, ready to be enjoyed without moderation. 

More details on their official website.