Le Clos de Caveau

Geographical Location
The estate, with an area of 20 hectares, extends down the slopes of the hills of the Dentelles de Montmirail and dominates the plain of the Comtat Venaisin. At an altitude of 200 meters above sea level, we are situated 20km to the east of Orange and 35km to the northwest of Avignon.

In Vacqueyras, the vineyards are not only grown at a high altitude, but are also isolated in a single plot, thus giving it an exceptional location.


Here, the environment is protected by a Mediterranean forest belt which favors organic cultivation under an idyllic geographical shelter that serves as a micro-climate.

History
1976: Purchase of the estate by Gérard Bungener (father of the current proprietor)
1986: Start of cultivation without synthetic chemicals.
1989: Official transition to organic cultivation for the operation.
1993: Henri Bungener inherits the vineyard and assumes management of the estate.
2004: The Bungener family moves into the estate.
2006: Arrival of Florence Claitte as the Maître du Chaix.

The Vineyard
Clos de Caveau is composed of 14ha 05a of vines divided up in the following manner:
2ha in the Côtes du Rhône appellation located on the plain of Viollès, where we produce a red wine as well as some rosé. This area is planted with 50% Syrah and 50% Grenache.
11ha 87a is planted in the Vacqueyras appellation, which completely encompasses the estate. Here we produce only red wines. The Vacqueyras red is composed of 70% Grenache and 30% Syrah. The Vacqueyras red cuvée Lao Muse is only produced in exceptional vintages and is composed of 60% Grenache and 40% Syrah.

Varietal Types
Red Wines: Grenache, Syrah,
Clos de Caveau can produce up to:
10,000 bottles of Côtes du Rhône, and 55,000 bottles of Vacqueyras

Agronomy
The agronomy induces more of a critical and perfectionist, and less of an elitist vision of organic winemaking. The estate follows the European specifications, monitored by the ECOCERT, BIOSUISSE and SOIL ASSOCIATION certifying organizations. The absence of the use of genetically modified products and oenological additives, and the reduction in sulfur dioxide doses are also parameters which are integral to our protocol.
Respect for the product and the consumer is conveyed through the originality, character, and quality of our unique and wholesome wines. Organic cultivation is not just an agricultural technique; it is above all a philosophy and a work ethic that is enriched every day by craftsmanship and continuous research.

Medals

• Vacqueyras 1995, bronze medal
• General Agricultural Competition of Paris
• Vacqueyras 2000, gold medal
• Competition of Macon
• Vacqueyras 2000, silver medal
• General Agricultural Competition of Paris and at the Avignon Exhibition
• Vacqueyras 2001, raimbaut d'or
• Consumer-Judged Wine Competition of Vacqueyras
• Vacqueyras 2003, gold medal
• General Agricultural Competition of Paris
• Vacqueyras 2003, gold medal
• Independent Vintner Competition of Blois