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Blog Gin

Published : 2025-04-16

Le Gin 13 selected among "The 30 Best Gins for 2025" - Vinepair : 94/100

Our Gin 13 selected among the "30 Best Gins of 2025" and "The Best Gins Under $100" by Tim McKirdy on the online platform VinePair With an outstanding score of 94/100!! "From the Rhône in France, this grape-based gin features 13 botanicals — a nod to the 13 grape varieties grown in the famous wine region. The...

Blog Vin

Published : 2025-04-03

Châteauneuf-du-Pape Les Cailloux blanc 2024 - James Suckling : 93/100

We received a score of 93/100 for our Châteauneuf-du-Pape blanc 2024 ! "A weel-crafted, precise, balances and flavorful Châteauneuf-du-Pape white with dried lemons, wild herbs, pebbles ans mild spices. Medium-bodied with silky texture. Delicious, well-rounded and attractove with a delicious pear pie and sweet almond...

Blog Gin

Published : 2024-11-01

Publication in La Revue du Vin de France – November 2024

This time, it is our GIN 13 that La Revue des Vins de France highlights in its November "Spirits" supplement Read the article below :

Blog Vin

Published : 2023-10-04

Harvest 2023: A vintage with high expectations!

This year, the harvest at Domaine André Brunel began at the end of August and finished at the end of September! The harvest promises to be a high quality vintage , rich in flavour! Beginning of the 2023 harvest They started earlier this year compare to previous vintages: August 23 rd : start of the harvest with our...

Blog Vin

Published : 2023-09-05

How do you keep a bottle of wine open ?

Everybody must have found himself one evening with an open bottle, the question being: what can we do to save the wine as long as possible? But also in the best conditions! André Brunel’s estate is giving you some secrets to do it. Elements that influence the preservation We often say that we can keep an open...

Blog Vin

Published : 2023-08-01

How to recognize a wine thanks to the label ?

To make sure you have chosen a good wine, you have to be careful: there are many traps! If unluckily no wine merchant nor producer is used to advice you, the best way is to learn how to read bottle labels. To do so, it’s necessary to know the main wine areas as well as the different grape varieties which are...

Blog Vin

Published : 2023-07-04

How to choose a wine ?

This is a question that seems to be as existential as “to be or not to be?” “What’s the meaning of life?” or “Are we alone in the universe?” It could make you die of fear when you want to impress your parents-in-law at a diner or a meeting or treat all your friend for a great...

Blog Vin

Published : 2023-06-06

Does the white wine keep you awake ?

For a celebration (birthday, anniversary,…), a sophisticated dinner or just to relax after a hard day, a glass of a good cool white wine is always welcome. Nevertheless, we suspect it to prevent from sleeping. André Brunel will help you to analyse this question. First of all, why the white wine more than another...

Blog Vin

Published : 2023-05-02

Which wines with seafood ?

What is the best wine for a seafood tasting? If the André Brunel estate, producing Châteauneuf-du-Pape aoc, can not offer you a miracle recipe (since it does not exist), it can nevertheless offer you all our tips and tricks to know how to perfectly marry your wine with seafood, shells, oysters or trays. Whether in...

Blog Vin

Published : 2023-04-04

Wine Storage

Some advice for storing wine in the best possible way: Whether it concerns experienced professionals or occasional amateurs : all will agree about this statement : the storage of your wines : Bordeaux, Bourgogne, Sancerre or Châteauneuf-du-Pape…is a key step to be able to make them as good as possible, to taste...

Blog Vin

Published : 2023-03-07

How to recognize a good wine at tasting ?

Always the same dilemma for a meal with friends, or event to celebrate, or a meal in a good restaurant. We often propose to choose and bring a bottle of wine, and each time, the same question : How to choose a good wine without making a mistake? The factthat wine is an important part of our culture imposes an...

Blog Vin

Published : 2023-02-07

Châteauneuf-du-Pape 1985 : an exceptional vintage

Each year offers its share of surprises in the wine world, vintages are part of them. At André Brunel estate, we give you our opinion on Châteauneuf-du-Pape 1985 vintage. 1985 : a recommanded year This vintage is known by the wine lovers as being an oustanding vintage thanks to a sunshine wich lasted up to the fall as...

Blog Vin

Published : 2023-01-03

Vintages and best vintages of the Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines

Châteauneuf-du-Pape is an AOC from the Rhône valley. The main grape varieties are mainly : grenache, syrah and mourvèdre, the other specificity is a soil covered with rolled pebbles, plus the favorable climate of the south of France. These éléments contribute to make it an exceptional wine with a high aging potential...

Blog Vin

Published : 2022-12-20

Which wine to offer to a connoisseur ?

Offering a wine is often a brainteaser, but a good wine remains a must when we want to please a connoisseur or a wine lover. Nevertheless, how to choose without making a mistake? What are the occasions to offer a good wine? Should we favor some regions or some vintages? Who can best advise us? With André Brunel estate...

Blog Vin

Published : 2022-12-06

Watering the vines: a practical and theoretical point

Blog Vin

Published : 2022-11-15

When to use red wine in cooking ?

Red wine is the favorite drink of the French no wonder since it is one of the jewels of our gastronomy and of our wine-growing tradition. But wine is not only used for the tasting pleasure of the wine. Indeed for centuries red wine has been an ingredient of many local recipes. Meat or fish poached in red wine without...

Blog Vin

Published : 2022-11-02

Malolactic fermentation: how does it works?

« What does the bottle matter as long as we are drunk... » (Alfred de Musset) French land has always been famous for its alcohols and more particularly its viticulture it had for a long time. To turn grapes into an alcoholic drink, the winegrower, such ads André Brunel, must put the fruit through many complex stages...

Blog Vin

Published : 2022-10-18

Alcoholic fermentation in wine

In vino veritas… If wine is so successful in the various human civilizations, it is partly because of its alcoholic side. Alcohol which must be consumed in moderation makes people happy, participate in festive moments, in major life events: Champagne for a wedding. Châteauneuf-du-Pape great vintage to celebrate...

Blog Vin

Published : 2022-10-04

What are sulfites used for in Wine ?

Our time is more and more aware of the ecological stakes, we regularly speak about the organic agriculture, and, by extension, of the famous “organic” cuvées. This question keeps being at the center of the debates. Far from shortcuts, here we are going to take stock of its role. What are They? They are...

Blog Vin

Published : 2022-09-13

Harvest 2022 with a lot of promises

They started on August 16 after our team of harvesters had been trained in a careful sorting in order to enter the cellar only the most beautiful berries. We started with our Roussannes who are on the plot of Serres in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, then we continued with a plot of Grenache blanc located in the commune of...

Blog Vin

Published : 2022-08-02

Véraison in Châteauneuf-du-Pape

When the grapes change from color green to its so beautiful characteristic purple color it’s the opportunity to meet for a magnificent family and friendly medieval reminding the oldest traditions of the land. The veraison: essential for a red Châteauneuf-du-Pape vintage. The veraison is a crucial period for our...

Blog Vin

Published : 2022-07-12

2022, the first vintage in our new cellar

We have chosen a high-end stainless steel vat from a French company in order to gain in precision on the control of fermentation temperatures and facilitate their cleaning in order to reduce our water consumption. The walls are massive stones of the Luberon to limit the use of air conditioning and reduce our energy...

Blog Vin

Published : 2022-06-07

How to choose your wine cellar ?

Amateurs find themselves, one day or the other, confronted with the issue of storing their bottles, gleaned from their tastings, exhibitions or meetings with winegrowers on their domains , such as that of André Brunel. For preservation , aging, tasting or storage, an amateur must have a tool worthy of the name. There...

Blog Vin

Published : 2022-05-05

Which food pairing with a Châteauneuf-du-Pape ?

Red and white (AOC) Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines have an asset, in addition to their world renown, to be a southern wine of the Rhône valley, which has the specificity to be served with many dishes thanks to the great subtility of its flavors. Which best harmony between food and this wine? André Brunel’s estate...

Blog Vin

Published : 2022-04-05

Visit a winery in Châteauneuf-du-Pape

Visiting Châteauneuf-du-Pape vineyard allows you to learn more about this so special terroir and while walking in the vineyards to understand the important role of the rolled pebbles, specificity of the appellation. Cellar visit A visit of the André Brunel’s estate would not be complete without a visit of the...

Blog Vin

Published : 2022-03-01

Châteauneuf-du-Pape ine pairings: vegetarian dishes

Nowadays we are conscious that for the good of the planet we will have to consume less and less animal protection protein. However, a gourmet and greedy alternative exists just as tasty and which can be a source of protein: vegetables, raw, cooked, dietetic or gourmet, carpaccio style, winter or summer ones,...

Blog Vin

Published : 2022-02-01

Drone in agriculture: why to use them ?

Nowadays, the more a professional in the field of art, cinema, culture or even construction would not think it possible to achieve precision and performance as easily as with the use of a drone. This technological tool presents eclectic uses that make it an ally of choice for a farmer wanting to improve his yields or...

Blog Vin

Published : 2021-11-02

Our Harvest 2021 like you were here !

A look back at our 2021 harvest. A promising year ahead! The April frost did not finally take over our grapes, the quality of the 2021 vintage is indeed at the rendezvous with ripe berries, providing a fair balance between concentration and acidity. Discover the other side of the scene and the secrets of the Domaine...

Blog Vin

Published : 2021-09-08

The harvest 2021 have started !

The 2021 harvest began this Thursday, September 2 by the roussannes of Châteauneuf du Pape! Despite the frost in early April and volumes that should be in sharp decline, the quality is at the rendezvous with ripe berries and a very good balance concentrati

Blog Vin

Published : 2021-09-08

It's mooving at the André Brunel Winery !

Start of the construction of our new winery. The walls should be in place at the end of December and the winery part at the end of May 2022 to be fully operational for the 2022 harvest. We will keep you informed of progress.

Blog Vin

Published : 2021-05-04

« After the frost hope ! »

When we work with nature we realize that we do not control everything! Unfortunately our Chateauneuf-du-Pape vineyard was not spared by this episode of frost. Two parcels were particularly affected. The vines we have in Côtes-du-Rhône have been spared overall. We stand in solidarity with our confreres who, for some,...

Blog Vin

Published : 2020-09-10

Harvest 2020 : a great vintage !

The harvest 2020 has just begun, one week in advance in comparison to last year, one month in advance if we compare with 15 years ago. The vintage seems to be a really great vintage. Quality and quantity are there. Color, tanins, concentration are truly present. The team in the vines and in the cellar is super excited...

Blog Vin

Published : 2019-10-24

The harvest 2019 is now finished !

The record is truly positive : quality of the grapes is impeccable and after the small volumes of 2017 and 2018, the quantity of 2019 is pretty good. So we are more than happy ;-) Now it’s time for the vinification work : Must pressing, winding and shedding to extract aromas, color and tanins Must density...

Blog Vin

Published : 2019-09-17

Here it is, the harvest for 2019 has just begun !

We have already harvested our roussanne and our syrah in Châteauneuf du Pape. Until now, everything goes perfectly. The quality of the grapes is perfect and the balance between tanins, color and acidity is optimum. These results come from hard work during all the season to cope with a very warm and dry weather and by...

Blog Vin

Published : 2017-08-24

Beginning of the harvest 2017 !

Beginning of the harvest 2017 with the roussanne in Châteauneuf du Pape ! Vintage 2017 seems to be a great vintage even if the quantities shouldn't be here. The answer in four weeks. Anyway, it's quite warm outside ;-)

Blog Vin

Published : 2017-04-07

Is global warming the main reason for the increase of alcool degree in the wines ?

Super article sur le réchauffement climatique et le vin: http://www.timatkin.com/articles?1770 #chateauneufdupape #globalwarming #rhonewines

Blog Vin

Published : 2017-02-08

A review of the Cuvée Centenaire 2015 by Greg Sherwood - Masters of Wine

Last week I had a wonderful opportunity to catch up with the amiable Fabrice Brunel of Domaine Les Cailloux in Chateauneuf-du-Pape in the Southern Rhone, to taste his new vintages. The CNDP Cuvee Centenaire 2015 cask sample I tasted was a beautiful, picturesque, snapshot into the final cuvee due to be released in...

Blog Vin

Published : 2016-11-22

Le Grand Tasting Bettane et Desseauve 2016 : Les Cailloux seront présents !

Pour tous les passionnés de vin qui seront présents au Grand Tasting Bettane et Desseauve le week end prochain, nous serons au stand 74 N'hésitez pas à nous rendre visite ! Nous vous attendons nombreux pour vous faire goûter nos derniers millésimes

Blog Vin

Published : 2016-11-21

Salon des vins Villeneuve Lez Avignon 26 et 27 Novembre 2016

Retrouvez-nous le week-end prochain (26 et 27 Novembre) au gymnase du Mourion, avenue des Cévennes à Villeneuve lez Avignon pour le salon des vins et des gourmets organisé par le Lions Club Au menu, dégustation de vin, de fromage, de foie gras et bien plus encore Pour vous restaurer, traiteur et écailler ! Venez...

Blog Vin

Published : 2016-07-27

Nice press coverage on our Rasteau following a winetour in UK

Rasteau 2009 from André Brunel - A terrific value

Blog Vin

Published : 2016-05-03

Vente privée sur le Carré des Vins

Vente privée du 26 Avril au 10 Mai sur le site du Carré des Vins. Très beau site et très belle présentation du Domaine ! N'hésitez pas à aller y jeter un coup d'oeil : les dernières centenaires 2007 disponibles y sont à la vente : accès à la vente Ci-dessous la présentation du Domaine : "Bienvenue à...

Blog Vin

Published : 2016-04-15

Vivino awards Les Cailloux !

"Purely sourced from Vivino's community of more than 13 million wine drinkers, Vivino's Wine Style Awards recognize the very best - and favorite - wines from regions around the globe. This is an honor you share with less than one percent of the 100.000 wineries on Vivino and I am honored to present you a personalized...

Blog Vin

Published : 2016-02-20

Des Cailloux et des Grappes

Notre Domaine a rejoint fin 2015 une start up dédiée à l’achat de vin sur Internet, les Grappes (www.lesgrappes.com) Le concept est novateur : les internautes intéressés par un vin peuvent poser directement des questions au producteur. Cet échange permet pour le consommateur de mieux connaître le produit acheté,...

Blog Vin

Published : 2016-02-04

What are the consequences of this mild winter for next vintage

The great advantage of having mild winters is that it’s easier to work outside for pruning, planting posts, straightening vine stocks, grinding … all done more willingly when the weather is nice! But for the rest it’s not ideal. Parasites, mushrooms and viruses have spent the winter under warm...

Blog Vin

Published : 2015-11-30

Long live grass !

Compared to tillage or chemical weeding, grass covering remains the best way of obtaining topsoil, meaning with strong biological activity (from micro-organisms to worms). Its main advantage is it increases the soil bearing capacity (therefore the possibility of returning to the vineyards quicker after rain), to avoid...

Blog Vin

Published : 2015-10-30

How winemaking will cope with global warming

The major challenge that wine-making must face is the increase of alcohol content. Producing a wine under 14° is already difficult in the Rhone Valley and if the warming continues at this rate then wines will be produced at 15° or even more. However the adaptation level will be different depending on if the warming is...

Blog Vin

Published : 2015-08-25

2015, an exceptional vintage ?

The 2015 weather conditions have been nearly impeccable for now – warm and dry to help the grapes ripen better and keeping them in a most healthy state, rain in sufficient quantities to maintain good hydration of the vines and preventing any drying out. It must be said that 2015 has really gotten off to a most...

Blog Vin

Published : 2015-07-21

The horse – a marketing tool or a genuine interest for the Estate

For some years the horse has made a remarkable come-back on wine estates. Users are nevertheless either accused of being crazy or nostalgic or accused of using them for communication purposes. What is really all about ? It’s true that on medium-sized estates (over 20 hectares) and on low value-added plots, a...

Blog Vin

Published : 2015-05-29

Bag In Box : a bright future !

Bag-in-Box sales has been on a steady upward trend for several years in France and just like bottles, they are subject to an increasing request on behalf of consumers to reduce their sulphite content. Sulphites are mainly used as antibacterial and antioxidant properties and are therefore essential to maintain a long...

Blog Vin

Published : 2015-03-31

Resistant grape varieties : are there the ecological future of vineyards ?

Two methods mainly exist today to fight against vineyard diseases: Using chemical products to eradicate the pathogen (mushroom, larva, butterfly, etc…) Using various growing methods allowing vines to fight more efficiently against these external attacks: ground covers, crushing of vine shoots, etc ... which...

Blog Vin

Published : 2015-03-16

Wine Express.com : a nice video on Châteauneuf du Pape André Brunel 2010

"A very nice Châteauneuf du Pape with aromas of liquorice, black berries, chocolate. Chewy in texture, nice backbone, very appealling. Keep some bottles away and drink some now. Enjoy !". For the full video : www.wineexpress.com

Blog Vin

Published : 2015-03-10

Imbibe UK : Sommelongue and Cailloux tasting in London

"With 22 ha in Chateauneuf du Pape and 11ha in Cotes du Rhone, winemaker Andre Brunel makes wines from grapes grown on his estate, as well as those in neighbouring vineyards that he tends. The Cotes du Rhone Domaine Sommelongue 2012 consists of 85% Grenache and a splash of Cinsault, Mouvedre and Syrah, all taken from...

Blog Vin

Published : 2015-02-20

Pruning - A strategic work in the vineyard

In wine-making, pruning is an essential phase as the yield and quality of the next harvest is wholly-dependant. It’s also one of the most laborious steps as it’s done during the winter when the wines are dormant. The pruning principle is easy, you have to “shorten” and “assemble”,...

Blog Vin

Published : 2015-01-14

How to tackle the decrease of the yields in the Rhone Valley

In 10 years, the average yield of the Côtes du Rhône has decreased by nearly 10 hl/ha (which corresponds to a volume decrease of nearly 25% between 2004 and 2014) . This decrease - mainly caused by global warming and by certain choices taken by the winemakers – undermines numerous farms. In order to stop this...

Blog Vin

Published : 2014-12-18

Centenaire and Cailloux Centenaire in Swedden

From Sweddish Journalist, Tom Pavan . Find all his articles on his blog The day before BraVins Assortment tasting, they arranged a tasting with Fabrice Brunel from Les Cailloux (Lucien et André Brunel). Fabrice, son of André Brunel, turned out to be a really charming guy with a lot to tell. As a small appetizer...

Blog Vin

Published : 2014-12-10

Global Warming and it's impact on wine

Being a weather-dependent activity, wine-growing is particularly impacted by global warming . We notice harvesting is carried out two to three weeks earlier compared to the last century, violent climate-related incidents (frost, hail, coulure*, drought …) are multiplying and increasingly disturbing the work of...

Blog Vin

Published : 2014-09-11

Et c'est parti pour les vendanges 2014 !

Et voilà ! C'est parti pour les vendanges 2014 ;-) Ce matin, nous avons ramassé les roussannes pour le Châteauneuf du Pape blanc et jeudi - vendredi, nous attaquons les syrahs, un peu plus précoces que les grenaches. Plus qu'à espérer trois semaines de beau temps !!

Blog Vin

Published : 2014-08-08

Point Météo avant le départ en vacances

Pour l'instant le millésime 2014 en Châteauneuf du Pape s'annonce bien. Contrairement aux deux précédents millésimes, les vignes sont chargées en raisin. Ce qui devrait au minimum permettre d'utiliser les pleines capacités de nos caves. L'hiver s'est montré relativement clément : la température a rarement (voire...

Blog Vin

Published : 2014-07-03

Indigeneous Yeasts - Myth or Reality

The ISV (Institute of Vine and Wine Sciences) just published the results of a study regarding over 200 wines vinified in 2012 and whose objective was to measure the genetic variety of yeasts used. As a reminder, yeasts are the micro-organisms in charge of alcoholic fermentation of wine by transforming the sugar into...

Blog Vin

Published : 2014-06-18

An alternative to chemical weeding : ground covering under the rows

Wine-growing today has adopted an overall approach to reduce plant-protectant products – most plots which at one time were sprayed with weed-killer have decreased to around 15% in 7 years! One of the most-used strategies to accelerate this decrease is the implementation of a natural ground cover called...

Blog Vin

Published : 2014-06-05

2014 Vintage - A good start

Compared to 2013 with relatively difficult weather conditions (rain and cold in May, hot and dry in the summer), 2014 is looking much better: the phreatic surfaces were sufficiently filled this past winter thanks to abundant rainfalls and March and April were relatively dry preventing the presence of diseases (downy...

Blog Vin

Published : 2014-05-29

Cailloux Tasting 1998 and 2006 by MisterNordin

MisterNordin, sweddish blogguer, gives its impression among 1998 and 2006 Cailloux vintages. Follow the link

Blog Vin

Published : 2014-05-14

Are white wines good for laying down?

Yes!!! Just think about Sauternes which can be kept for fifty years or even more or Jura wine where some bottles which are over a century-old, still have a remarkable freshness when opened. Red wines are said to age well, apparently due to their tannins which provide the required structure. Being that white wines have...

Blog Vin

Published : 2014-04-30

Food and Wine Pairing: the base rules

The first rule to always remember when looking to pair a wine with a dish is … to make your guests happy !! For example, if one of them don’t like very sweet wines – the classic association with foie gras - it’s better to serve a slightly smooth white wine. The second rule is to trust …...

Blog Vin

Published : 2014-04-21

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate - 2011 Vintage - 94 points !!

Wine Advocate tasted again the Cailloux 2011 and gives 94 points !! "While there was no Cuvee Centenaire produced, Brunel’s 2011 Chateauneuf du Pape is certainly one of the stars of the vintage. A blend of 70% Grenache, 17% Mourvedre, 10% Syrah and 3% Cinsault, with the Syrah aged in older barrel and everything...

Blog Vin

Published : 2014-04-15

When should I drink my wine?

Whenever you feel like it ;-) The major function of a wine is to be drunk, not to be stored for dozens of years on a shelf until it becomes basically … undrinkable. It is however true that wine evolves with age and there is a rather large time scale for when it’s “at its finest”. Just one...

Blog Vin

Published : 2014-04-14

Le vin reconnu patrimoine de la France

Le Sénat a reconnu aujourd'hui que le vin "fait partie du patrimoine" de la France. Enfin !!. Suite de l'article ici

Blog Vin

Published : 2014-04-10

Cailloux Tasting by "les 5 du vin"

Interesting and precise paper on the tasting of four estates in Châteauneuf du Pape : Clos du Mont Olivet, Clos du Caillou, Domaine Jean Royer et Les Cailloux : Châteauneuf du Pape - En hommage à leurs pères

Blog Vin

Published : 2014-04-02

Les Printemps de Châteauneuf les 5 et 6 Avril

This week-end takes place the fifth edition of the Châteauneuf du Pape Wine fair : more than 85 estates will present their latest vintage. The estate will be booth A13 Hope to see you ! For more information : Winefair Website

Blog Vin

Published : 2014-03-31

Next Step for the Wine Tour in the US : after Boulder, Washington

Interesting article among the Centenaire 2003 by a journalist met in Washington DC. For more information : www.hogsheadwine.com

Blog Vin

Published : 2014-03-26

US Wine Tour : journalist feedback

Here a link to an article of 303 magazine written during a fine wine tasting in The city of Boulder last week For more information : 303 magazine

Blog Vin

Published : 2014-03-20

Have vines growing on wire: it’s obvious … but why?

Vines growing on wire, or trellising, is common practice all over France. There are numerous advantages to trellising: It helps the leaves be exposed to the sun. Photosynthesis is more active which promotes a higher concentration of sugar, For the “lazy” grape varieties like Syrah (whose shoots flop down,...

Blog Vin

Published : 2014-03-06

Green harvesting: what is it and what does it do?

The term “green harvesting” defines all the operations regarding growing vines. More simply between the end of winter and the harvesting. It’s notably used to allow grapes to mature well, to control the yield and to reduce the risk of rot spreading. Particularly noticeable are: Work on the leaves,...

Blog Vin

Published : 2014-02-27

Sulphites and wine: but why so much loathing

What is most often referred to under the barbaric name of “sulphite” designates the sulphur dioxide or SO2 . This is produced naturally by alcoholic fermentation (transformation of sugar into alcohol by the yeasts) to about 10 to 30 mg/l, a “normal” wine containing about 40 to 60 mg/l when...

Blog Vin

Published : 2014-02-17

Bottling of 2013 Vintage

Okay, it’s done: the Domaine’s white Châteauneuf-du-Pape wine for 2013 is bottled! The procedure was resolutely respected: wake-up at 5 in the morning to prepare the machine, wine-tasting at 6:30 while listening to the neighbour’s cockerel singing away and then bottling until 4pm. And it all happened...

Blog Vin

Published : 2014-02-13

Let grass grow in the vineyards: Why? Part 2

Grass covering must be undertaken with precision to avoid too much competition with the vines and therefore overly-diminishing the harvest. There are several options open for wine-makers depending on the objectives sought-after: the surface area wanted in the rows: solely in the middle of the rows (meaning between...

Blog Vin

Published : 2014-02-05

Vertical tasting of the Centenaire Cuvée in Denmark

As for my trip to Denmark, I was lucky enough to lead a guided vertical tasting session of the Centenary cuvée along with some experienced connoisseurs. In fact it was a great opportunity for me to taste old wines years going back to 1998 or 1990 which my father has jealously kept locked away up until now. Centenary...

Blog Vin

Published : 2014-01-30

Let grass grow in the vineyards: Why? Part 1

In more recent years, when passing through wine-growing regions, you’ve undoubtedly noticed that more and more vineyards seem to be invaded by grass. This is not synonymous with abandoned vineyards – on the contrary! This practice is being more frequently undertaken by wine-growers endeavouring to produce...

Blog Vin

Published : 2014-01-15

To decant or not to decant: that is the question

Knowing if a wine should be decanted, and if so, for how long, is a question which we’ve all asked ourselves at least once during our life-time. Below you’ll find some possible answers. The decanting process (or decanting) of wine is used to prevent guests receiving deposit from the bottle bottom, in their...

Blog Vin

Published : 2013-12-23

Wine-tasting with Idealwine at GrandTasting 2013

An unforgettable moment tasting several bottles of Centenaires 2010 and Centenaires 1998!! Our partner, IdealWine, invited many wine connoisseurs and it was great talking with them about the differences between these two vintages. The 2010, more powerful and with an almost immediate expression, easily won-over...

Blog Vin

Published : 2013-12-19

PGI wines : A range of wines complementary to the AOC wines

The PGI wines (Protected Geographical Indication) are often associated with low-end range wines having the characteristics of being smooth and easy to drink. This stems mainly from an Appellation Specifications Book which is more flexible than for the AOP (notably in regards to yield) and from Domaines owning AOP/AOC...

Blog Vin

Published : 2013-12-18

2013 Harvest – Report and perspectives

This vintage will undoubtedly be remembered for its exceptionally late harvest date. We did indeed end up harvesting about 3 weeks later than in 2012 (end of September for the reds), which corresponded more to the production years during the mid 1970’s … But late harvesting doesn’t mean lower quality...

Blog Vin

Published : 2013-11-15

Devatting

Devatting is a little-known step in the vinification process which is nevertheless an essential one. It consists of clearing the vat of skins, stems, seeds... stuck at the bottom of the tank after having removed the juice issued from the fermentation and maceration phases . The skins are then put into the presses and...

Blog Vin

Published : 2013-11-07

BIB is gaining deserved recognition

BIB (for Bag In Box) is only moderately successful in France as it’s associated with an image of low-end wine, but it has a rapidly growing sector outside France. Impressed by its preservation qualities once open or for its practical aspect for carrying, it’s already monopolizing sales in countries like...

Blog Vin

Published : 2013-11-06

Scrambled Eggs with Truffles

Preparation time : 5 minutes Cooking time: 15 minutes Ingredients (for 4 people): 8 eggs 1 can of truffles 100 g of fine butter 4 soup spoons of thick double cream salt and freshly ground pepper Preparation : Cut the truffle into small bits. Melt the butter in a pan and put in the truffle bits to cook. Break the eggs...

Blog Vin

Published : 2013-11-05

Screwcap : advantages and drawbacks

The major defects, as described by screw-top critics, are mainly its lack of visual aesthetic (making a bottle of wine resemble a common bottle of hard liquor) and absence of the uncorking noise, synonymous of a certain upcoming pleasure. There are, however, many advantages : no more risk of having a corked wine taste...

Blog Vin

Published : 2013-11-01

Bresse Chicken Fricassee with Cream

Ingredients 6 Bresse chicken thighs 1 garlic clove 150g of Button mushrooms 1 soup spoon of butter 1 soup spoon of olive oil 10 cl poultry stock 50 cl double cream 1 egg yolk Preparation Debone the thighs and cut them into pieces Peel and crush the garlic Wash the mushrooms and cut them in two Put the mushrooms, the...

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Published : 2013-09-19

My first harvest

Ah … harvest time, this poetic moment where the wine-maker carefully cuts each grape bunch, looking at it fondly before bringing it the cellar and changing it into elegant nectar… Now let me stop you right there: first off, harvest time means getting up at 5:30 in the morning to start cutting the grapes at...

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Published : 2013-09-18

First Tasting

Okay, here we are! This is one of the reasons that pushed me to leave Paris – a genuine tasting session. And not just any old tasting session as today we’re going to produce wines from the 2011 vintage year which will be bottled soon. Over forty samples are spread out successively on the table, each coming...

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Published : 2013-09-16

The exceptional weather conditions in 2013

We were faced with a particularly cold springtime this year. According to the French weather forecast, it was the coldest spring since 1987 and one of the rainiest since 1959. In our region, these abundant and frequent rainfalls made the phreatic water level rise significantly, which contributed to quick growth in the...

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Published : 2013-09-15

Un terroir et des Papes

Châteauneuf-du-Pape’s history is closely linked to the history of those who made this Vaucluse village an internationally recognized wine-growing area. French men and men of God have always been wine-lovers. When their headquarters were set-up in Avignon between 1300 and 1400, the Popes were relentless promoters...

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Published : 2013-09-14

Beef Samosas

Ingredients 300 g of ground beef 1 coffee spoon of ginger in small bits 2 coffee spoons of ground coriander 2 soup spoons of green peas 2 finely chopped garlic cloves 1 large minced onion 1 coffee spoon of curry powder Salt and pepper 1 coffee spoon of oil 50 g melted butter Sheet of dough Preparation Brown the onions...

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Published : 2013-09-11

From the appellation to the Cru

The appellation area went from 300 hectares in the 13th century to over 600 in 1800, before losing 400 during the great phylloxera epidemic at the end of the 19th century. The Châteauneuf-du-Pape vineyard owners were able to resist better than others to this phylloxera crises due to the diversity of their grape...

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Published : 2013-09-10

Different Grape Varieties

In addition to the favourable environmental conditions, Châteauneuf-du-Pape boasts a certain number of intelligent people with unsurpassed know-how. Over the centuries, the standard usage of thirteen different grape varieties have produced an aromatic balance confirmed by connoisseurs. There are eight red varieties:...

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Published : 2013-09-05

The bottling process

Where you understand what it’s like working on a production line Bottling isn’t a difficult exercise in itself. Its success depends on two major aspects: irreproachable hygiene and good initial management of the dry matter: (cardboard, cork, label, cap, etc …). For the hygiene aspect, steam...

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Published : 2013-08-30

Admirable wines

Upmost respect for the appellation and profound winemakers’ passion make Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines complex, powerful and balanced. The red are rich and develop a large range of fragrances: fresh fruits, blackcurrants, blackberries, spices, roasted coffee and leather. In the mouth these wines boast a beautiful...

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Published : 2013-08-30

Wine and Food pairing

In general, red Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines unveil red fruit aromas of strawberry and raspberry, but also touches of leather, anise, liquorice and spices, typical silky tannins for Grenache. So it’s only natural that these powerful wines from this appellation with its fruity touches pair perfectly with products...

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Published : 2013-08-30

Les Cailloux Estate : Lucien, André et Fabrice Brunel

The Brunel family settled in the Châteauneuf-du-Pape region during the 18th century. The Domaine’s name comes from the typical round pebbles found on this terroir, and have become part of the family tradition. The Domaine was created by Lucien Brunel, who inherited this wine-making land in 1954, but it’s...

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Published : 2013-08-30

The Estate : main figures

The Domaine boasts 20 hectares of vineyards, mostly with Grenache vines which have the average age of about 60 years old. Certain hundred-year-old vines, located on the Farguerol plain to the north of the appellation area are notably intended to make 3000 bottles of the prestigious Cuvée Centenaire of the Domaine Les...

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Published : 2013-08-26

Châteauneuf and Château...briand with Morel mushrooms

Ingredients 4 slices of Châteaubriand 1 leek, 1 carrot 1 bag of morel mushrooms 50g of butter 1 glass of dry white wine 2 spoons of double cream salt, pepper Preparing the recipe Put the dried morels in a bowl with warm water (for at least 1 hours). Finely chop the white part of the leek and cut up the carrot in thin...

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Published : 2013-08-25

Exceptional wines in exceptional restaurants

The Domaine Les Cailloux wines are visible in renowned French fine dining establishments, accompanying delicious delicacies concocted by illustrious French chefs. The Chef Alain Ducasse has chosen them for his two spectacular restaurants, the Jules Verne located on the 2nd floor of the Eiffel Tower and the Plazza...

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Published : 2013-08-16

Not just prestigious wines...

The Domaine Les Cailloux Crus are authentic wines, proudly reflecting their terroir. They boast the modesty of great wines and pair just as well with refined dishes as with traditional ones. Being a direct connoisseur, Alain Ducasse has placed them on his wine list at his Brasserie Aux Lyonnais, Rue Saint Marc in...

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Published : 2013-08-02

Fête de la Véraison de Châteauneuf-du-Pape

Grape Festival The veraison is a decisive step for grape ripening, the time when the seed grows and turns from green to red and when the fruit aromas awake. This change usually occurs at the beginning of August for the Châteauneuf-du-Pape, and is a process which last for about two weeks. It coincides with the annual...

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Published : 2013-06-12

A terroir of the Popes

Châteauneuf-du-Pape’s history is closely linked to the history of those who made this Vaucluse village an internationally recognized wine-growing area. French men and men of God have always been wine-lovers. When their headquarters were set-up in Avignon between 1300 and 1400, the Popes were relentless promoters...

Blog Vin

Published : 2013-06-01

Les Cailloux 2003 - Wine Advocate - Joe Czerwinski : 92/100

Fully mature, yet still showing solid mid-palate density and sweet fruit, the 2003 Les Cailloux Chateauneuf du Pape offers up a melange of sweet fig, kirsch, roasted herbs, and licorice aromas and flavors to go with a full-bodied, voluptuous, yet completely integrated and supple mouth feel. Fairly evolved, with some...

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Published : 2013-05-15

First drive to work

Despite all the little bothers and surprises I’ve written about in the above posts, there was one moment which has stood out in my mind – one of sheer happiness: my first drive to work. No more underground, no more being pushed around at the Saint Lazare exit, no sounds of buses, scooters, jackhammers,...

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Published : 2013-04-04

The stake

Planting the stakes consists of … planting the stakes. This is a necessary job to mark-off the rows (for example to show the tractor driver where to plough) and help the vine grow in the right direction by providing a sort of “guide”. In our region, we always plant stakes facing north to protect...