Le Clos du Caillou

The estate originated from an old holding converted into vineyards; the property is documented as far back as 1895. During the 20th century ownership passed to the Pouizin family, who began converting it to vineyards in the 1950s; commercial activity developed from the 1970s and exports began in the 1980s. In the 1990s the Vacheron family relaunched production; the estate has been certified organic since 2010. In 2020 Clos du Caillou acquired the Domaine de Panisse, expanding its Châteauneuf‑du‑Pape parcels.

The approach is focused on respect for the soil: mechanical work in the vineyard without herbicides, limited use of sulfur and copper, hand harvesting and grape selection. The winery vinifies by variety, with controlled macerations and maturation in foudre and botti; part of the vineyards are managed with biodynamic practices aimed at restoring soil fertility.

The estate is located in Courthézon in the Southern Rhône Valley. Soils include sands, safres and quartz pebbles. Some parcels lie on sandy lieux-dits and on pebble terraces typical of Côtes-du-Rhône/Châteauneuf-du-Pape, resulting in finer or more structured cuvées depending on the soil.

Recognition from the specialist press and positive mentions from critics such as Olivier Poussier.