Lucien & Andre Brunel
Summary
Domaine Les Cailloux is a medium-sized family estate operated by André Brunel and son Fabrice, managing 21 hectares across Châteauneuf-du-Pape's distinguished sectors including La Crau and Farguerol, where galets roulés and sandy soils contribute complexity to their Grenache-dominant wines. Their winemaking balances tradition with precision through partial destemming, concrete fermentation, and aging in large oak foudres for 18-24 months, while sustainable viticulture practices and low yields preserve the authentic character of their historic terroir.
Heritage & Leadership
Domaine Les Cailloux, the estate operated by the Brunel family, traces its origins to 1954 when Lucien Brunel established the domaine's identity by creating the Les Cailloux label. The Brunel family's viticultural history in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, however, extends back to the 17th century. André Brunel, Lucien's son, took over management of the family estate in 1971, marking a significant transition that coincided with a period of quality-focused changes at the property. Under André's direction, the domaine expanded its vineyard holdings and refined its winemaking approach. In 2012, André's son Fabrice joined the family business, representing the next generation of leadership while working alongside his father in both vineyard management and cellar operations.
Vineyards & Wines
The Brunel family manages 21 hectares of vineyards in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, with parcels distributed across multiple sectors of the appellation. Their holdings include plots in the notable La Crau, Farguerol, and Capelan areas, providing a diversity of terroirs. The vineyards feature the characteristic galets roulés (rounded stones) that define much of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, along with sandy soils in certain parcels. The estate's plantings consist primarily of Grenache (70%), supplemented by Mourvèdre (17%), Syrah (10%), and small amounts of traditional varieties including Cinsault. Beyond Châteauneuf-du-Pape, the Brunels cultivate 13 hectares in the Côtes du Rhône appellation. The estate produces a range of wines including their flagship Châteauneuf-du-Pape Les Cailloux, the limited Cuvée Centenaire (sourced from 100+ year-old Grenache vines), and Côtes du Rhône selections.
Philosophy & Practice
The Brunel approach to viticulture emphasizes traditional farming methods adapted to each specific vineyard parcel. In the cellar, André Brunel implements partial destemming based on vintage conditions and grape variety, with Grenache often fermented with a higher percentage of whole clusters. Fermentation takes place in concrete tanks, a practice the family has maintained for generations. The estate's red Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines typically age for 18-24 months, primarily in large oak foudres that allow for slow oxidation while preserving fruit character. For their Cuvée Centenaire, the aging regimen includes a portion in smaller barrels to add complexity. The Brunels practice sustainable viticulture with minimal intervention, focusing on maintaining low yields through careful canopy management and selective harvesting to ensure optimal ripeness.