Arnoux et Fils

The history of Domaine Arnoux et Fils

The estate’s story begins in 1717. That year, Count François de Castellane de Lauris, lord of Vacqueyras, gave a vineyard parcel to an ancestor of the Arnoux family. The winemaking tradition has been passed down through the generations ever since. Until 1936, the family made wine only from its own vineyard, then about 24 hectares. In response to growing demand, Aimé Arnoux began buying harvested grapes from partner growers. He thus added Gigondas, Beaumes-de-Venise, Cairanne, and Châteauneuf-du-Pape to the family range.

The business was then run by his sons, Jean-Marie and Régis, followed by Marc and Jean-François, Jean-Marie’s sons. The Vieux Clocher winery, next to Vacqueyras’s old church, gave the estate’s signature range its name. The Arnoux brothers also make wine on contract from grapes grown by around ten small producers in the appellation, making the business a key figure in Vacqueyras, which has held cru status since 1990.

The terroirs and vines of Domaine Arnoux et Fils

The family vineyard covers around forty hectares in the heart of the Vacqueyras appellation, against the backdrop of the Dentelles de Montmirail. Its soils are highly varied: rounded stones, sands, and clays support the cultivation of the Rhône’s principal grape varieties. Reds are made from Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre; whites from Grenache Blanc, Clairette, and Bourboulenc. The oldest vines, averaging around fifty years of age and sometimes considerably older, are reserved for the top cuvées.

To supplement its own production, the business has worked for decades with trusted partner growers in both the Southern and Northern Rhône. Part of the range, notably the Genus cuvées and certain Ventoux wines, is organically grown.

Winemaking at Domaine Arnoux et Fils

Winemaking follows Rhône Valley traditions, with particular attention to yields and ripeness. For the Vieux Clocher range, the old vines produce less than 35 hectoliters per hectare, and maceration lasts more than three weeks. Two-thirds of the blend is then aged in large oak casks, while the final third spends twelve months in barrels that have previously held two or three wines.

The 1717 cuvée receives special care. The grapes, picked on the verge of overripeness from very old, low-yielding vines, ferment in tapered wooden vats. After a long maceration, the wine is aged for an extended period in new barrels before being bottled and sealed with wax. The whites are vinified in tanks to preserve their aromatic freshness.

The wines of Domaine Arnoux et Fils

Vacqueyras 1717: this is the house’s prestige cuvée, a tribute to the gift made in 1717. It comes from old Grenache and Mourvèdre vines and undergoes extended aging in new barrels. Powerful and complex, it evokes garrigue, truffle, and jammy fruit and can be cellared for many years.

Vacqueyras Vieux Clocher: this signature wine of the estate blends approximately 70% Grenache, 25% Syrah, and 5% Mourvèdre. Rich and complex, it brings together red and black fruit, spice, and full tannins.

Vacqueyras Blanc: this white blends Grenache Blanc, Clairette, and Bourboulenc and is aged in tanks. Aromas of peach, apricot, and tropical fruit lead to a round, fresh palate.

Gigondas Vieux Clocher Nobles Terrasses: this elegant, deeply colored Gigondas has a complex nose of red and black fruit and a generous palate with hints of leather.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape Vieux Clocher Symphonie des Galets: from terroirs of rounded stones, this generous, aromatic Châteauneuf combines sun-drenched power with spicy finesse.

Cairanne Vieux Clocher Secret de Terroir: this generous cru, with intense cherry notes, combines power, softness, and freshness.

Beaumes-de-Venise Vieux Clocher Les Ravards: made from approximately 60% Grenache, 35% Syrah, and 5% Mourvèdre, this powerful, fruity red combines ripe red fruit, floral notes, and spice.

Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise Trésor du Clocher: this golden fortified sweet wine offers aromas of mandarin, apricot, and tropical fruit, with a lightly cinnamon-spiced finish.

Crozes-Hermitage Vieux Clocher: this fruity, peppery Syrah from the Northern Rhône rounds out the range with its freshness and precision.

Côtes du Rhône Vieux Clocher: this light, fresh red, with vibrant cherry and raspberry aromas accented by garrigue, is ideal for everyday enjoyment.

Ventoux Vieux Clocher Rouge: this supple, harmonious red offers subtle aromas of red fruit, spice, and garrigue.

Ventoux Rosé Bio Les Clochettes: this very pale, fresh, delicate rosé, with notes of raspberry and citrus, pairs with salads and grilled dishes.

Vaucluse IGP Vieux Clocher: this approachable, fruit-forward regional wine is perfect for meals shared with friends and family.

Seigneur de Lauris (Vacqueyras, Gigondas, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Côtes du Rhône): this historic, critically acclaimed range from old vines preceded today’s Vieux Clocher range. It can still be found in vintages before 2020.

Cuvée Jean-Marie Arnoux: named in honor of Marc and Jean-François’s father, this selection is a benchmark for the house’s quality.

Genus (Côtes du Rhône Villages, Vacqueyras, Ventoux): this certified-organic range offers expressive, inviting wines true to their terroir.

Vacqueyras Domaine La Font du Chêne: this full-bodied, spicy estate-grown Vacqueyras expresses the warmth of the cru.

Gigondas Domaine La Maurelle: this structured Gigondas, marked by black fruit, reflects the character of the slopes of the Dentelles.

Ventoux Domaine de Gouredon: this fresh, fruity organic Ventoux comes from high-altitude vines.