André Brunel

André Brunel Summary:

• Region: Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Southern Rhône, France
• Heritage: Family in the region since the 18th century; eight generations of winemaking
• Founded/Formalized: 1954 as Domaine Les Cailloux; later renamed after André Brunel
• Leadership: Now led by Fabrice Brunel (8th generation)
• Signature Wine: Cuvée Centennaire (launched 1971; Grenache-dominant from century-old vines)
• Farming: Pioneer of eco-friendly, chemical-free viticulture in the region
• Appellations: Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Côtes du Rhône, Vaucluse Vins de Pays
• Key Varieties: Grenache (lead variety), Mourvèdre, Syrah, Cinsault

Brand Story:

Few wine regions inspire as much reverence as Châteauneuf-du-Pape in France’s Southern Rhône, and among its most historic estates is André Brunel, a family lineage that has been rooted in the region since the 18th century and producing wine for eight generations. Originally named Domaine Les Cailloux when Lucien Brunel formalized the domaine in 1954, the estate later adopted its current name in honor of his son, André Brunel, the seventh-generation owner.

Under André’s leadership, the estate expanded significantly, adding vineyards in the Côtes du Rhône AOC and Vins de Pays, and gaining international acclaim with the creation of the Grenache-dominant Cuvée Centennaire in 1971. This cuvée—made from some of the region’s oldest Grenache vines—helped cement the Brunel family’s reputation as one of Châteauneuf-du-Pape’s foremost producers.

The Brunel family has long been a pioneer of eco-friendly, chemical-free farming, embracing sustainable viticulture well before it became standard practice in the Rhône. This commitment to purity and terroir expression defines the estate’s philosophy today.

Now led by eighth-generation winemaker Fabrice Brunel, the domaine oversees three appellations that represent three quality tiers within the estate:

• Châteauneuf-du-Pape — flagship, old-vine Grenache with Mourvèdre, Syrah, Cinsault
• Côtes du Rhône — expressive, fruit-forward Rhône blends
• Vaucluse Vins de Pays — approachable, terroir-driven wines

Across all appellations, Grenache remains the star variety, supported by varying proportions of Mourvèdre, Syrah, and Cinsault to create balanced, authentic Rhône expressions.

The result is a portfolio of wines that reflect centuries of heritage, deep respect for the land, and a family commitment to quality that continues to guide the estate’s evolution.