2022 Le Clos du Caillou "Les Quartz" Côtes du Rhône, Rhône Valley, France

ABOUT THIS WINE

2022 is an exceptional vintage for many reasons: firstly, because of the exceptionally early, hot and dry spring and summer with only 96 mm of rain from January to August. This rainfall deficit during the vegetative period can be compared to 2003 vintage. Exceptional also because of the storm episode (composed with hail) on 14th August. Hopefully, Clos du Caillou vineyard was almost not impacted with hail. Exceptional also because of the incredible capacity of resistance of the vines facing these extreme weather conditions (maybe our biodynamic practices helped). After the rain on 14th August, the mistral wind blew and saved the sanitary state of the grapes that were finally harvested at peak ripeness. We can say that 2022 is a complex and surprising vintage: particular attention was needed to take good decisions of picking at the right moment. Despite a warm year, the wines are very balanced, show beautiful colors with great concentration. 2022 vintage reminds us the balance and depth of 2015 vintage, promising a high aging potential. 85% Grenache, 15% Syrah.

ABOUT THIS PRODUCER

In 2020 April, Le Clos du Caillou takes a major step by buying a new estate : Domaine de Panisse. This beautiful estate, sold by lack of progeny, is composed of a magnifient old builiding and 33 acres of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, planted on exceptional terroirs of sandy soils. The vineyard is composed of the traditional grapes of Châteauneuf-du-Pape : Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre and also old Cinsault from 1950. Some Grenache were even planted in 1924! It was decided to convert to Organic Agriculture the whole estate.