Côtes du Rhône Blanc Clos du Caillou 2023

Clos du Caillou, Sylvie Vacheron, Châteauneuf du Pape

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, which are now recognised among the best in the appellation. The unsung hero in Le Clos du Caillou’s portfolio is ‘Bouquet des Garrigues’: with the feel and style of a Châteauneuf du Pape, it elevates Côtes du Rhône to a new level.

The average age of the vines are 40 to 50 years old, with a yield of 34 hl/ha. Sandy soils and round pebbles.

Hand-picking with sorting in the vineyard and then in cellar. Pneumatic pressing in whole bunches. Cold settling over one night at 10°C followed by vinification in stainless steel tanks.

Clear and bright colour, with golden highlights. On the nose, are aromas of exotic fruits such as pineapple and passion fruit, combined with more floral notes, delivering a fresh and gourmet bouquet. The palate has a nice tension and reveals a creamy texture. White-fleshed fruits and the salinity with a hint of bitterness bring a lovely freshness.

Grape: 40-50 years old blend: 40% Grenache blanc 30% Clairette rose 30% Bourboulenc

Organic