Le Clos du Caillou 'Le Caillou' Red Blend, Cote du Rhone, France

Nestled in the heart of the esteemed Cote du Rhone region, the 2022 Le Clos du Caillou 'Le Caillou' Red Blend emerges as a testament to resilience and meticulous craftsmanship. This vintage, marked by extreme weather patterns, showcases the vineyard's biodynamic practices that preserved the grapes' integrity, resulting in a wine of surprising depth and elegance reminiscent of the renowned 2015 vintage.

Product Details:

• Vines Average Age: Over 60 years
• ABV: 14.5%
• Blend: 80% Grenache, 10% Syrah, 5% Mourvèdre, 5% Cinsault
• Yield: 33 hl/ha
• Soil Characteristics: Sandy soils
• Harvest: Hand-picked, with sorting both in the vineyard and at the cellar
• Vinification: 80% destemmed, 20% whole clusters; fermented in concrete and stainless-steel tanks with wild yeasts
• Aging: 4 months in concrete tanks

Sensory Description:

The 2022 'Le Caillou' Red Blend presents a brilliant ruby-purple hue with plum reflections. The nose is an aromatic bouquet of kirsch and berry fruits intertwined with spice notes, orange blossom, and violets. It reveals soft, elegant tannins on the palate, balanced with a fruit-forward profile, making it a charming and approachable wine suitable for early enjoyment.

Winemaker's Background:

The legacy of Le Clos du Caillou dates back to Claude Pouizin's vision of transforming a hunting reserve into a vineyard that now spans 54 hectares, including prized parcels in Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Côtes du Rhône. The estate's commitment to organic and biodynamic practices since 2010 reflects a deep respect for nature, enhancing the vitality and fertility of its diverse terroirs. This dedication ensures the production of wines that express the true character of their origins.

Serving Suggestions

The 2022 ‘Le Caillou’ makes an excellent companion to a variety of dishes, starting with the rich and velvety terrine of chicken liver with Porto, where the wine’s structure and freshness balance the creamy texture. It also complements the savory depth of local pork and pistachio sausage served alongside buttery mashed potatoes. For heartier fare, it pairs beautifully with beef cheek parmentier, the wine’s complexity enhancing the dish’s slow-cooked richness. On the lighter side, it brings vibrancy to a berry lentil salad dressed with chives and sherry vinegar, its bright acidity lifting the fresh, earthy flavors. To finish, semi-ripe Saint-Marcellin cheese finds harmony with the wine’s nuanced character, creating a luxurious and memorable conclusion.

This wine is best enjoyed slightly chilled, around 60-63°F, to appreciate its elegant and balanced profile fully.