Clos du Caillou – The Bright, Refined Soul of Southern Rhône Terroirs html Copier Modifier

What is Clos du Caillou and why is it unique

Clos du Caillou is a renowned estate located in Courthézon, on the edge of the Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation. Uniquely, part of the vineyard lies within the official AOC, while another portion—equally qualitative—remains labeled as Côtes-du-Rhône due to a historical refusal of classification. Today, this dual identity is a strength, allowing the estate to express a wide range of terroirs with freedom and precision. Under the direction of Sylvie Vacheron, the estate is farmed biodynamically, with a meticulous, parcel-by-parcel approach.

Which grape varieties are grown at Clos du Caillou

The estate grows all the traditional southern Rhône varieties: Grenache Noir, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Cinsault and Carignan for reds; Clairette, Roussanne, Grenache Blanc, Bourboulenc and Viognier for whites. Each grape is matched to its ideal soil, whether sandy, stony or covered in galets roulés. Harvesting is done by hand, fermentation is with native yeasts, and aging occurs in a mix of concrete, large oak vats and demi-muids depending on the cuvée.

What wine style defines Clos du Caillou

Clos du Caillou wines are rich yet refined, offering ripe fruit, gentle tannins, floral and herbal notes, and a velvety texture. Signature cuvées like “La Réserve”, “Quartz”, “Safres” and “Les Quartz blanc” express the nuances of each plot with precision. The whites are floral, mineral and fresh, often with weight but always balanced. The estate’s style is one of southern depth guided by finesse, with excellent aging potential across the range.

What food pairings go well with wines from Clos du Caillou

The reds pair beautifully with lamb, roasted meats, duck breast, grilled vegetables or spiced dishes. Their roundness also works well with Asian flavors or savory vegetarian plates. The whites are ideal with structured fish, creamy poultry, aged cheeses or roasted vegetable dishes. These are gastronomic wines that enhance flavorful, well-structured cuisine.

Why are wines from Clos du Caillou so appreciated

Clos du Caillou stands out for its unique vision of southern Rhône winemaking: expressive, terroir-driven and meticulously crafted. With consistent quality, biodynamic farming, and an elegant yet generous style, the estate has become a top reference for Rhône lovers. Its wines are beloved by sommeliers and enthusiasts alike for their authenticity, drinkability, and graceful expression of the sun-soaked Rhône landscape.