The Brunel family’s roots in Châteauneuf-du-Pape trace back to the 18th century, when their first vineyard parcel was acquired in 1774. In 1954, Lucien Brunel founded Domaine Les Cailloux, named after the iconic rounded stones that define the region’s terroir. The estate produced its first vintage in 1950, marking the beginning of its journey in fine wine.
André Brunel, the third generation, took over in 1971 and expanded the domaine’s holdings to include Côtes du Rhône and Lirac vineyards. He introduced pioneering practices such as cover cropping and chemical-free viticulture, and in 1989 created the celebrated Cuvée Centenaire from century-old Grenache vines. André led the domaine with passion and innovation until his passing in 2022. Today, his son Fabrice Brunel continues the legacy, combining respect for tradition with modern precision. Fabrice, who joined the estate in 2012 after a career in engineering and management, oversees 90 hectares across several appellations and has introduced a new cellar, sustainability initiatives, and projects such as agrivoltaics and even a gin made from grape stems.
Vineyards and Terroir
Les Cailloux covers 21 hectares in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, including 19 hectares for reds and 2 hectares for whites, spread across ten key parcels such as Farguerol, Revès, Plan du Rhône, and Bois de la Ville. The soils vary from galets roulés over clay to sandy and limestone subsoils, contributing complexity and balance. Grenache dominates the plantings at about 70%, complemented by Mourvèdre, Syrah, and Cinsault. Some Grenache vines exceed 120 years of age, forming the backbone of Cuvée Centenaire. For whites, Roussanne is the principal variety, alongside Clairette and Grenache Blanc.
Viticulture and Sustainability
The domaine is certified Haute Valeur Environnementale (HVE) since 2020, reflecting its commitment to biodiversity, water management, and reduced chemical inputs. Practices include cover cropping, plowing, leaf thinning, and meticulous sorting. Innovative water-saving techniques such as underground irrigation and a modern cellar design have halved water consumption. Solar panels supply non-carbon energy, and waste recycling is integral to operations.
Winemaking
Fabrice Brunel has refined the approach to emphasize freshness and elegance. Red fermentations occur in stainless steel or concrete at controlled temperatures, with gentle extraction and natural yeasts. Grenache and Mourvèdre mature in concrete or stainless steel, while Syrah spends 12–18 months in seasoned Burgundy barrels. Whites ferment in concrete or stainless steel and age on lees for about six months to preserve vibrancy. The new cellar, inaugurated in 2022, offers precise temperature control and sustainable energy solutions.
Wine Style
Les Cailloux wines are known for their elegance and complexity. The red wines typically age well, with the best vintages maturing beautifully over 5-22 years. The white wines are fresh, versatile and complex.
Philosophy
Les Cailloux wines are admired for their finesse, aromatic purity, and capacity to age gracefully—top vintages evolve over decades. Whites are fresh yet layered, while reds combine depth with balance. Under Fabrice’s leadership, the estate remains a benchmark for Châteauneuf-du-Pape, uniting heritage with forward-thinking sustainability.
