Les Cailloux Rouge has an elegant and clean nose that features red fruits typical of Grenache (strawberry, cherry, raspberry), combined with spice and pepper from Mourvedre and Syrah. The spices are more pronounced on the palate, enhanced by a touch of oak from Syrah that is aged in the same barrels where its fermentation takes place. In the mouth, the wine is less fruit-driven than classic Châteauneuf-du-Pape, showing its savory side through a long finish. It is approachable now and will continue to evolve for five to eight years.

There are only a few wine regions that elicit pure excitement amongst the wine aficionados of the world, and Châteauneuf-du-Pape in the Southern Rhône is one of them. One of Châteauneuf’s most revered estates is that of centuries-old André Brunel, who has been in the region since the 18th century and has been making wine for eight generations.

Though originally named Domaine Les Cailloux by Lucien Brunel in 1954, its current name is after the seventh-generation owner, André Brunel. Under André’s leadership, the estate expanded rapidly, with vines in the Côtes du Rhône AOC as well as Vins de Pays. In 1971, after André took over, he launched Grenache-dominant Cuvée Centennaire, the estate’s top wine, which solidified André Brunel as a major player in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. In addition, the family is leading the charge in the region for eco-friendly farming practices, eschewing chemicals at every turn.

André’s son, Fabrice, is now at the helm of this pioneering estate, overseeing their three appellations: Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Côtes du Rhône and Vaucluse Vins de Pays, which represent three different tiers of wine. Grenache is the star variety in these wines, with a smattering of Mourvèdre, Syrah and Cinsault.

Acidity: 2.93 g/L
Sugar: 0.11 g/L
PH: 3.65
Alcohol content: 14.5

Vintage: 2019

Style: Red Wine

Varietal: Red Blend

Appellation: Châteauneuf-du-Pape

Winemaker: André Brunel