# Châteauneuf-du-Pape Les Cailloux (2020)

- **Producer:** Domaine André Brunel
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Grenache, Mourvèdre, Syrah, Cinsault
- **Region:** Rhône, France
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 14.5%
- **Average price:** €61
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–16 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** black plum, liquorice, dried fruit, eucalyptus, raspberry, red cherry, black cherry, cloves, vanilla, cedar, leather, tobacco, forest floor, earth

## About this wine

Châteauneuf-du-Pape Les Cailloux from Domaine André Brunel, vintage 2020, is a red wine from the Rhône Valley, France. The name 'Les Cailloux' refers to the characteristic large pebbles found in the appellation's vineyards, which are integral to the terroir. The Brunel family has a long-standing winemaking tradition in the region, with André Brunel taking over the estate in 1971, and his son Fabrice now managing the property. The 2020 vintage is characterized by its balance, featuring delicious fruit and freshness, with elegant and supple reds that possess good aging potential.

## Interesting facts

- The name 'Les Cailloux' means 'the pebbles' in French.
- The Brunel family's winemaking history dates back to the 17th century.
- Average vine age for this wine is 60 years, with some Grenache vines nearly 120 years old.
- The vineyard soils are a mix of pebbles, loam, limestone, rock, and clay.

## Food pairing

The wine's full body and firm tannins are well-suited to rich protein dishes, where they can cut through fat and complement the meat's texture. The wine's fruit-forward character can also harmonize with earthy flavors found in mushrooms and root vegetables, while its subtle herbal notes can echo herbs used in cooking.

## Wine making process

The winemaking process for Châteauneuf-du-Pape Les Cailloux involves hand-harvesting grapes early in the morning. Grenache is partially destemmed, while other varieties are fully destemmed. Fermentation occurs in concrete vats, followed by maceration in concrete tanks. The wine undergoes an 18-month aging period, with Syrah aged in used oak barrels and Grenache and Mourvèdre in concrete vats. The final blend is assembled six months prior to bottling. Farming practices are described as sustainable or reasoned.