The Brunier family is one of the most respected and historic wine producers in the Rhône Valley, with roots dating back to 1898 when Hippolyte Brunier first planted vines on the stony plateau of La Crau in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Today the fourth generation – Frédéric and Daniel Brunier – oversees the estate, which has grown to encompass several properties across the southern Rhône, including the prestigous Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe, Domaine La Roquète (now Piedlong), Les Pallières in Gigondas and Château La Roque in Châteauneuf-du-Pape.

The family manages around 150 hectares of vineyards, the majority of which are situated on the famed galets roulés (large rounded stones) of La Crau, considered one of the finest terroirs in the appellation. The viticultural philosophy is focused on traditional methods, low yields and minimal intervention, allowing the individual terroirs to express themselves fully. In the cellar, fermentation with wild yeasts, gentle extraction and ageing in large foudres help preserve freshness and finesse.

The flagship wine, Vieux Télégraphe, is internationally acclaimed for its power, balance and ability to age gracefully for decades. The Brunier family has received numerous accolades, including high ratings from leading critics, “Winery of the Year” awards and regular listings among the top producers in France. Their wines are known for combining structure and depth with savoury complexity and aromatic lift, expressing the essence of the southern Rhône’s historic terroirs.

The Clos Roquete property dates back to the 18th century and covers around 30 hectares of vineyards located primarily in the Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation. While best known for its white wine, Clos Roquète also produces small quantities of red from classic Rhône varieties. The estate’s flagship Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc – a blend of Roussanne, Clairette and Grenache Blanc – has received high praise from international critics and regularly earns scores above 95 points from leading wine publications. Renowned for its balance, floral aromatics and mineral elegance, Clos Roquète is considered one of the top white wine producers in the region.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape is the most celebrated wine appellation of the southern Rhône Valley, located between Avignon and Orange. The region enjoys a warm Mediterranean climate, characterised by hot, dry summers and mild winters. One of the defining climatic features is the Mistral wind, which blows down the Rhône Valley and helps to keep the vines healthy by reducing humidity and the risk of fungal disease. Drought, however, is a common challenge, particularly in the height of summer.

The soils are famously varied, but the most distinctive are the large, rounded galets roulés (rolled pebbles) that absorb heat during the day and release it at night, helping grapes to ripen fully. Beneath the stones lie layers of sand, clay and limestone, each contributing to the structure and flavour of the wines.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape is unique in allowing thirteen different grape varieties. Grenache dominates plantings, supported by Syrah and Mourvèdre for red wines, while white varieties such as Roussanne, Clairette and Grenache Blanc play an important role in the limited production of white Châteauneuf. The main growing areas include La Crau, Rayas and Mont-Redon, each with its own micro-terroir.

Red Châteauneuf-du-Pape is typically rich, full-bodied and spicy, with aromas of red and black fruits, garrigue herbs and warm earth. The whites are full and aromatic, often showing notes of peach, pear, white flowers and subtle mineral tones.

Grenache Blanc is the white-skinned variant of the red Grenache (Garnacha) grape and is believed to have originated in northeastern Spain. Today, it is widely planted in southern France, particularly in the Languedoc and southern Rhône Valley, and is also grown in Spain (as Garnacha Blanca), South Africa, California, and increasingly in Australia.

This variety thrives in warm, dry climates and is often used in blends, particularly in white Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Côtes du Rhône wines, where it adds body, texture, and freshness. It is frequently blended with Roussanne, Marsanne, and Viognier, but varietal expressions are also growing in popularity.

Grenache Blanc typically produces medium- to full-bodied wines with moderate acidity and a generous texture. Aromas often include green apple, pear, citrus peel, and stone fruits, along with herbal or floral notes such as fennel, white flowers, and occasionally a hint of saline minerality. With age or oak influence, it can develop richer, honeyed and nutty characteristics.

Viticulturally, Grenache Blanc is drought-tolerant and productive, making it well-suited to hot, arid environments. However, it can be prone to oxidation if not handled carefully in the cellar. Maintaining freshness and balance is key, especially in warmer climates where acidity may drop quickly as ripeness advances.

Clairette is one of the oldest white grape varieties in the south of France, with records of its cultivation dating back to the 16th century. Thought to have originated in the Mediterranean regions of Provence or the Rhône Valley, it is well suited to warm, dry conditions and has traditionally been used in the production of both still and sparkling wines.

In the vineyard, Clairette is vigorous and high-yielding, with large berries and loose bunches. It is relatively drought-resistant and copes well with poor, stony soils, making it a reliable variety in hot climates. However, it tends to ripen early and can lose acidity quickly, which requires careful timing of the harvest to preserve freshness and balance.

Clairette is widely planted in southern France, particularly in the Rhône Valley (including Châteauneuf-du-Pape), Provence and Languedoc. It is also found in small quantities in South Africa and Australia. The grape is used both as a blending component and, in some appellations, as a varietal wine.

The wines typically display light to medium body with aromas of apple, pear and white peach, often accompanied by herbal or floral notes and a slightly bitter, almond-like finish. While usually made in a fresh, youthful style, Clairette can also develop more honeyed, waxy notes with bottle age or when aged in oak.

Roussanne is a high-quality white grape variety native to France’s Rhône Valley, where it is a key component of both northern and southern Rhône white blends. It is most famously found in appellations such as Hermitage, Crozes-Hermitage, Saint-Joseph, and Châteauneuf-du-Pape, often blended with Marsanne or Grenache Blanc to create wines of depth and elegance. Outside France, Roussanne is also planted in California, Washington State, Australia, and parts of Italy.

Roussanne is prized for its distinctive aromatic profile and its ability to produce complex, age-worthy wines. It typically offers aromas of pear, peach, and honey, complemented by floral notes such as acacia and herbal hints like chamomile or fennel. As it ages, it develops nutty, toasty, and lanolin-like characteristics, gaining richness and complexity. On the palate, it is often medium- to full-bodied, with a silky texture and balanced acidity.

Viticulturally, Roussanne is notoriously challenging to grow. It is late-ripening, susceptible to mildew and rot, and sensitive to wind and drought. Its low yields and tendency to oxidise require careful vineyard and cellar management. Despite these challenges, Roussanne’s elegance and distinctive character make it one of the Rhône’s most prestigious and sought-after white grape varieties.