Le Clos du Caillou, Côtes du Rhône Rouge, Bouquet des Garrigues, Southern Rhône, France, 2021

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

85% Grenache Noir, 10% Syrah, with Cinsault, Carignan, and Mourvèdre. Eighty percent of the vines are over 50 years old, planted on red clay soils with pebbles, producing an average yield of 28 hl/ha. No herbicides or synthetic products are used, with a focus on traditional winemaking methods and organic practices. The grapes are harvested by hand.

Winemaking

After destemming, the grapes undergo a 48-hour cold maceration in a cement tank before natural alcoholic fermentation begins with wild yeasts. During maceration (24-30 days), daily pumping over and aerated délestage are performed. The wine is aged for 14 months in both foudres and wooden barrels.

Tasting Note

This vibrant Côtes du Rhône displays a rich ruby colour with purple hues. The nose bursts with intense aromas of ripe red and black fruits—blackcurrants, cherries, and raspberries—intertwined with fragrant garrigue herbs, such as thyme and rosemary, and subtle floral notes. On the palate, it is fresh and lively with juicy fruit flavours, balanced by smooth tannins and a hint of peppery spice. The finish is long and savoury, with a mineral touch that speaks of its terroir.

Food Matching

This approachable red pairs excellently with Mediterranean dishes such as grilled sausages, ratatouille, roast chicken with herbs.