Domaine André Brunel : Les Cailloux 2024

Characteristics and tasting notes for Les Cailloux 2024 Domaine André Brunel

Tasting

Color
White in color, this wine reveals a delicate pale golden hue of medium intensity.

Nose
Wonderfully fresh, the aromatic bouquet opens with subtle notes of white flowers and stone fruit. It is then enriched with hints of citrus, dried lemon peel, and exotic fruits, all underscored by an elegant mineral thread.

Palate
Crystalline and lively, the palate offers a perfectly balanced medium body. It unfolds savory notes of white peach, pear, and honey, enhanced by a lovely salinity. The persistent, evolving finish charms with nuances of sweet almond and pear tart.

Food and wine pairing

This wine pairs wonderfully with white meats in delicate sauces, seafood such as lobster or scallops, and fine fish like turbot. It is also an ideal match for Mediterranean cuisine, subtle Asian dishes such as sushi, or a mature goat cheese.

Service and storage

For optimal enjoyment, Les Cailloux 2024 should be served between 10 and 12°C, after aerating for 15 to 20 minutes in large glasses. With excellent aging potential, this wine will need a few years to reach full maturity and can be enjoyed until approximately 2029.

Other characteristics

This wine has an alcohol content of 13.5% and underwent no malolactic fermentation, preserving all of its natural vibrancy and freshness.

The elegance and freshness of a great white wine from the Rhône Valley

The estate

The Brunel family's winemaking history in the Rhône Valley dates back to the 18th century, but the Domaine André Brunel was officially established in 1954 under the guidance of Lucien Brunel. Now run by Fabrice Brunel, representing the eighth generation, the estate spans 90 hectares. A pioneer of sustainable viticulture and certified High Environmental Value, the estate stands out for its respectful approach to nature and its commitment to producing authentic wines that reflect the purity of their terroirs without artifice.

The vineyard

The grapes for this cuvée come from a 2-hectare vineyard dedicated to white wines, located within the prestigious Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation. With an average age of 30 years, the vines thrive on complex soils composed of the famous rolled pebbles, clay, and limestone. These unique terroirs ensure excellent drainage and optimal heat retention, promoting perfect berry ripening while keeping yields under control.

The vintage

2024 stood out for its cool, late climatic conditions. This extended growing cycle allowed for slow, gradual ripening of the berries, avoiding excessive sugar accumulation. This particular weather pattern proved ideal for preserving the grapes' natural acidity and aromatic brightness.

Winemaking and aging

The grapes are harvested by hand early in the morning to preserve their freshness. After gentle destemming, the berries are pressed directly. Fermentation takes place at low temperature in stainless steel tanks. Les Cailloux 2024 is then aged on fine lees in these same tanks for six months, with no oak barrel aging whatsoever. The wine finally rests for three months in bottle before release.

Grape varieties

• 80% Roussanne
• 15% Clairette
• 5% Grenache Blanc