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Published : 2023-01-25

When do you have to carafer your wine and when ?

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Published : 2023-01-17

How do you keep a bottle of wine open ?

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Published : 2023-01-10

How to recognize a wine thanks to the label

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Published : 2023-01-09

How to choose a wine ?

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Published : 2023-01-09

Does the white wine keep you awake ?

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Published : 2023-01-09

Which wines with seafood ?

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Published : 2023-01-05

Wine Storage

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Published : 2023-01-05

How to recognize a good wine at tasting ?

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Published : 2023-01-03

Châteauneuf-du-Pape 1985 : un millésime d’exception

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Published : 2023-01-03

Millésimes et meilleures années des vins de Châteauneuf-du-Pape

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Published : 2022-10-24

Which wine to offer to a connoisseur ?

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Published : 2022-10-24

Watering the vines: a practical and theoretical point

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Published : 2022-10-21

When to use red wine in cooking ?

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Published : 2022-09-21

La fermentation alcoolique du vin

The wine alcoholic fermentation: stages and explanations 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 to...

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Published : 2022-09-21

Malolactic fermentation : how does it works ?

Malolactic fermentation, how does it work? What does the bottle matter as long as we are drunk…... 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...

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Published : 2022-09-20

What are sulfites used for in Wine ?

What are the use of sulfites in the 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...

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Published : 2022-09-20

How to choose your wine cellar ?

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Published : 2022-09-14

Des vendanges 2022 pleines de promesses

Elles ont débuté le 16 août après que notre équipe de vendangeurs eut été formée à un tri minutieux afin de ne rentrer en cave que les plus belles baies. Nous avons démarré par nos Roussannes qui se trouvent sur la parcelle des Serres à Châteauneuf-du-Pape, puis nous avons continué par une parcelle de Grenache blanc...

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Published : 2022-09-14

Véraison in Châteauneuf-du-Pape

Veraison celebration 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...

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Published : 2022-09-13

2022, le premier millésime de notre tout nouveau Chai

Nous avons choisi une cuverie inox haut de gamme issue d’une entreprise française afin de gagner en précision sur le contrôle des températures de fermentation et faciliter leur nettoyage afin de diminuer notre consommation en eau. Les murs sont en pierres massives du Lubéron afin de limiter le recours à la...

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Published : 2022-07-29

Which food pairing with a Châteauneuf-du-Pape ?

What dishes 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...

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Published : 2022-07-28

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...

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Published : 2022-07-20

Wine pairings: Châteauneuf-du-Pape : vegetarian dishes: our best advice

Food and wine pairing: Châteauneuf-du-pape and vegetarian dish: our best advice 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,...

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Published : 2022-05-30

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...

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Published : 2021-11-02

Nos vendanges 2021 comme si vous y étiez !

Retour en image sur nos vendanges 2021. Une année qui s’annonce prometteuse ! Le gel d’avril n’aura finalement pas eu raison de nos raisins, la qualité du millésime 2021 est bel est bien au rendez-vous avec des baies arrivées à maturité, procurant un juste équilibre entre concentration et acidité....

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Published : 2021-09-08

Les vendanges 2021 ont commencé !

Les vendanges 2021 ont commencé ce jeudi 2 septembre par les roussannes de Châteauneuf du Pape ! Malgré le gel de début Avril et des volumes qui devraient être en forte baisse, la qualité est au rendez-vous avec des baies à maturité et un très bon équilibre concentration - acidité.

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Published : 2021-09-08

Ça bouge au domaine André Brunel !

Démarrage de la construction de notre nouveau chai de vinification. Les murs devraient être en place fin Décembre et la partie cuverie fin Mai 2022 pour être pleinement opérationnelle pour les vendanges 2022. Nous vous tiendrons informé de l’avancée des travaux.

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Published : 2021-08-17

Les Cailloux 2010 - Jeb Dunnuck : 95/100

A wine I wish I'd bought more of, the 2010Châteauneuf Du Pape continues to blow me awayevery time I taste it. Lots of ripe red and black fruits, licorice, roasted herbs, and assorted meaty nuances all define the nose, and it's medium to full-bodied, pure, elegant, and just a stunning Châteauneuf du Pape in the sweet...

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Published : 2021-05-04

« Après le gel, l’espoir ! »

Lorsque l’on travaille avec la nature on se rend compte que l’on ne maîtrise pas tout ! Malheureusement notre Vignoble de Châteauneuf-du-Pape n’aura pas été épargné par cet épisode de gelées. Deux parcelles ont été particulièrement touchées. Les vignes que nous avons en Côtes-du-Rhône ont globalement...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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Published : 2018-05-16

Cuvée Centenaire 2015 - 94pts dans le Wine Advocate !

"Although a powerful wine, it's more about elegance than sheer brawn" Unlike many luxury cuvées, L es Cailloux's 2015 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Centenaire is not simply an example of taking the best fruit from the estate and throwing new oak at it. It is from the estate's oldest Grenache vines, with a small dose of...

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Published : 2017-10-19

Les Cailloux 2015- Jeb Dunnuck : 92/100

The 2015 Châteauneuf-du-Pape (70% Grenache, 15% Mourvèdre and the rest Syrah and Cinsault, aged mostly in concrete tanks) is another ethereal, complex, nuanced wine from this estate. Ripe strawberries, dried flowers, garrigue and dusty pebble/soil notes flow to a medium to full-bodied, silky, impeccably balanced 2015...

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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 ;-)

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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

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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...

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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

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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...

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Published : 2016-07-27

Nice press coverage on our Rasteau following a winetour in UK

Rasteau 2009 from André Brunel - A terrific value

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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...

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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...

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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,...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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

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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...

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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”,...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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 !!

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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

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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...

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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 …...

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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...

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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...

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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,...

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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,...

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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...

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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...

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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...

News

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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

News

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...

News

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...

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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...

News

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...

News

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...

News

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...

News

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...

News

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...

News

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...

News

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...

News

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...

News

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:...

News

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...

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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...