Clos Puy Arnaud was purchased in the late 90s by Thierry Valette and Anne Caldéroni. The vineyard consists of two main plots totaling twelve hectares.

The beautiful south-facing terroir has large flat pebbles, sandy-clay soil, and limestone outcrops.

Biodynamic viticulture has been applied since 2005. This includes green cover between the vine rows in order to reduce yields, as well a regular disking. Little by little, the perfect match between grape varieties and soil types is being achieved. There is less Cabernet Franc now, and Carmenère vines were planted in 2005. The wooden vats are well-adapted to the separate fermentation of grapes from different plots. Once picked, the grapes are put whole (without being crushed) into cement or oak vats, depending on the plot.

Extraction is gentle and enhanced by pigeage, or punching down the cap. Aging takes place in oak barrels, 50% of which are new every year.

Clos Puy Arnaud is a wine that delights hedonists. Very expressive, with delicious fruit and an elegant spiciness, this wine is gaining depth and complexity as the vines get older.

In the Bottle

Clos Puy Arnaud is one of the leading lights in the Côtes de Castillon appellation thanks to the excellent work done by Thierry Valette and Anne Caldéroni. Remarkably reliable since the 2000 vintage, the most recent years of Clos Puy Arnaud reflect the owners' commitment to quality and respect for the environment. The 2003 Clos Puy Arnaud is marvelously fruity and delicious. The 2000, 2001, and 2004 Clos Puy Arnaud are also tasty and somewhat more classic. The promising 2005 and more recent vintages of Clos Puy Arnaud are much in the same vein.

Pricing seems quite reasonable in light of the quality. This wine is a beautiful introduction to the Côtes de Castillon appellation.

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Clos Puy Arnaud, Pervenche Clos Puy Arnaud (second wine)