Le Clos du Caillou 'Les Quartz' Cotes du Rhone, Rhone, France

Grown in the sun-drenched sands of one of the southern Rhône’s most prized terroirs, the 2020 Le Clos du Caillou Côtes du Rhône Les Quartz is a wine of nuance, elegance, and quiet power. From a vintage that gifted growers with balance and brightness, this bottling radiates both charm and aging potential. The plot lies just outside the Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation boundary, but its quality is every bit on par.  

Product Details:

• Grape Varieties: 85% Grenache, 15% Syrah
• Alcohol: 14.5%
• Soils: Sandy soils with round galets roulés (large polished stones), adjacent to Les Cassanets in Châteauneuf-du-Pape
• Vine Age: Average 50 years
• Yield: 29 hl/ha 
• Vinification: Hand-harvested, sorted in the vineyard and cellar, fermented with indigenous yeasts in concrete tanks; pump-overs, punch-downs, and délestage over a 30-day maceration
• Aging: 14 months in foudres and used barrels
• Bottling Date: April 2022
• Owner: Clos du Caillou
• Winemaker: Bruno Gaspard

Sensory Description:

The 2020 vintage glows with a vivid ruby hue tinged with purple reflections. Aromatically, the wine leads with blueberry, blackcurrant, and raspberry compote layered with notes of licorice, white pepper, and a hint of star anise. On the palate, it reveals a luxuriously unctuous texture, countered by fresh acidity and soft yet structured tannins. Secondary notes of strawberry jam, plum cream, peppermint, and warm spices add a rich complexity, building toward a long, spice-kissed finish.

Winemaker's Background:

Founded in the early 20th century and reimagined in 1955, Le Clos du Caillou is a benchmark producer in the southern Rhône Valley. Though this particular cuvée is labeled as Côtes du Rhône, the vines lie within the historic Châteauneuf-du-Pape enclave, contributing to its elevated pedigree. Current winemaker Bruno Gaspard crafts each wine with minimal intervention, utilizing native yeasts and traditional methods to fully express the terroir’s character. The estate is known for producing wines of both substance and finesse, firmly placing them among the Rhône’s elite.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve at 16–17°C alongside hearty fare such as duck breast with puréed parsnips and jus, guinea fowl with morels, or beef smoked with pepper. Earthy dishes with truffles, confit onions, or classic Aligot from Aubrac will also complement its depth and spice.

The 2020 Le Clos du Caillou Côtes du Rhône Les Quartz delivers a masterclass in terroir expression, with both structure and soul. It’s a bottle that punches far above its appellation and deserves a place in any Rhône lover’s cellar.