Domaine André Brunel : Les Cailloux 2022

Characteristics and tasting notes for the Les Cailloux 2022 Domaine André Brunel

Tasting

Colour
The colour reveals a beautiful red hue.

Nose
Generous and complex, the nose exudes aromas of ripe, almost jammy red and black fruits, reminiscent of redcurrant and wild berries. It then opens up to subtle notes of garrigue, evoking thyme, lavender and rosemary, complemented by touches of roasted meat and white pepper.

Palate
Full-bodied and silky, the palate is seductive with its supple, perfectly integrated tannins. It reveals an elegant texture combining flavours of fresh fruit, delicate notes of orange zest, spices and aromatic herbs, extending into a remarkably long finish.

Food and wine pairing

This red wine from France pairs wonderfully with hearty meats, such as beef tartare, a fine grilled cut or beef bourguignon. It also enhances game dishes such as wild boar, duck with mushrooms or roast leg of lamb with herbs. When it comes to cheese, it pairs beautifully with goat's or sheep's cheese, or soft, bloomy-rind cheeses like Saint-Félicien. Finally, it will surprise with flavourful vegetarian dishes, such as moussaka or roasted summer vegetables.

Service and storage

While it can be enjoyed young for its vibrant fruitiness, the Les Cailloux 2022 will reveal its full potential after a few years in the cellar and can be kept until around 2032.

The elegance and complexity of a great Châteauneuf-du-Pape wine

The estate

Located in the Rhône Valley, Domaine André Brunel traces its winemaking origins back to the 18th century, but it was in 1954 that the estate truly took off commercially under the impetus of Lucien Brunel. A pioneer in sustainable practices and certified Haute Valeur Environnementale, this estate stands out for its deep respect for the terroir. Today, Fabrice Brunel, representing the eighth generation, is at the helm of the estate. He carries on the family legacy by combining ancestral traditions with technical innovations to produce wines of great precision.

The vineyard

The vineyard from which this wine originates spans the prestigious Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation. The vines, some of which have an average age of sixty years, flourish across a mosaic of plots with complex soils. These are mainly composed of rolled pebbles on the surface, promoting excellent drainage, combined with sand and clay deeper down. The estate favours natural grass cover and farming practices that respect biodiversity in order to preserve soil vitality.

The vintage

2022 began with a cold, dry spell, followed by an unusually hot and humid period that significantly disrupted the growing cycle. These unusual weather conditions led to particularly early budbreak in the vines, requiring constant attention throughout the plots.

Winemaking and aging

For the Les Cailloux 2022 cuvée, the grapes are harvested by hand. After complete destemming, the berries ferment in concrete vats for two to three weeks, with regular pumping-over and délestage for a gentle extraction of colour and tannins. The wine is then aged exclusively in stainless steel tanks for eighteen months, without any oak contact, in order to preserve the purity of the fruit and the authentic expression of the terroir.

Grape varieties

70% Grenache, 20% Mourvèdre, 10% Syrah.