Le Clos du Caillou, Côtes du Rhône Blanc, Bouquet des Garrigues, Southern Rhône, France, 2023

Producer Profile

The quality of the estate's wines has greatly progressed over the past couple of decades and are often recognised as one of the best in the appellation. The unsung hero in Le Clos du Caillou's portfolio is the ‘Bouquet des Garrigues’: with a feel and style of Châteauneuf du Pape, it is not a straightforward Côtes du Rhône by any means.

Sylvie Vacheron, helped by the gifted Bruno Gaspard, is producing rich and very expressive Châteauneuf du Pape cuvées. The quality of the estate's wines has greatly progressed over the past couple of decades and are often recognised as one of the best in the appellation. The unsung hero in Le Clos du Caillou's portfolio is the ‘Bouquet des Garrigues’: with a feel and style of Châteauneuf du Pape, it is not a straightforward Côtes du Rhône by any means.

Viticulture

Le Clos du Caillou is ideally located in the commune of Courthézon. The entire estate comprises 44 hectares of Côtes du Rhône, and 9 hectares of Châteauneuf du Pape. Le Clos has the distinction of being located within the boundary of the Châteauneuf du Pape appellation yet is classified as Côtes du Rhône. Formerly a hunting reserve, the then owner in 1936 refused to have his estate classified by the official regional governing body. Thus, the Clos was not included in the Châteauneuf du Pape appellation. To this day, the Clos du Caillou remains an enclave within this world-renowned wine zone. 80% of the estate’s vines are more than 50 years old with an average yield of 28hl/ha, mostly planted on red clay soil with pebbles. 1st year of this cuvée creation - 1978. Vines avg. age 45 years on sandy soil with round polished stones, located on the lieu-dit “Les Garrigues”. No weedkillers or synthetic products are used, favouring traditional winemaking techniques and organic processes.

Winemaking

The yield was maintained at 31 hectolitres per hectare. Grapes were hand-picked, with meticulous sorting both in the vineyard and upon arrival at the cellar. Whole bunches underwent pneumatic pressing, followed by cold settling overnight at 10°C. Vinification took place in stainless steel tanks to preserve freshness and purity.

Tasting Note

A bright and aromatic white from the southern Rhône, presenting a luminous pale straw colour. The nose bursts with lively aromas of white peach, lemon blossom, wild thyme, and Mediterranean herbs, alongside hints of ripe pear, citrus zest, and a subtle mineral freshness. On the palate, it is fresh and balanced with a lively acidity that carries the vibrant fruit and floral notes. The finish is crisp and clean, with a delicate herbal lift reminiscent of the garrigue—the scrubland herbs that give the wine its name. A charming, expressive Rhône white full of energy and finesse.

Food Matching

Pair it with grilled sea bass with lemon and herbs, or a fresh goat’s cheese salad with toasted pine nuts and wild herbs.