Emmanuel Reynaud

Château Rayas

The Château Rayas estate produces several Grand Wines, well-known in the region and among enthusiasts of the Southern Rhône Valley, particularly in the Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Côtes du Rhône appellations.

Château Rayas: the most legendary wine of Châteauneuf-du-Pape!

Emmanuel Reynaud creates the most well-known wines in the south of France in this Chateau. The red is an atypical 100% Grenache. Its uniqueness stems from the north-facing sandy soils of the vineyard and the use of whole-cluster fermentation to produce this finely aged wine in old large casks. The result is breathtaking: a wine with all the elegance of Burgundy, quickly overshadowing the traditional Châteauneuf-du-Pape standards. The white follows suit. Crafted with Grenache Blanc and Clairette, it requires time to develop fully.

Pignan: another exceptional Châteauneuf-du-Pape!

Often wrongly considered the second wine of Château Rayas, Pignan is indeed a separate wine and a true star of Châteauneuf-du-Pape as well! Unlike its cousin, which is cultivated on sandy soil, Pignan comes from terraced plots of rolled pebbles. This is why it is regarded as the most quintessential expression of the Reynaud stable's Châteauneuf-du-Pape. This 100% Grenache traditionally exudes notes of leather, spices, and red fruits but never appears heavy. Its supreme balance and endless length make it one of the most sought-after red Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines. It pairs perfectly with a saddle of lamb or a gratin of eggplant with lardons. A Pélardon from the Cévennes or porcini mushrooms à la bordelaise are also excellent table companions.

Fonsalette: Magnificent Côtes du Rhône from the Reynaud universe!

Owned by the Reynaud family since 1945, Château de Fonsalette covers about ten hectares of vines, woods, and olive trees. Here, Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah, Clairette, and Marsanne are cultivated. From these, wines in the Côtes-du-Rhône appellation, both white and red, are produced, reminiscent of the finesse of their big brothers from Château Rayas. Although they come from different terroirs and blends, they are vinified in the same place by the same team.

Pialade: a second Mythical Côtes du Rhône!

Upon tasting, aromas of jammy red fruits take the lead, all with great amplitude while remaining elegant and refined. Sometimes considered the "Little Wine of Rayas" because it is made with grapes that were not used for Rayas or Fonsalette, it remains incredible to taste!

Château des Tours

Château des Tours, on the other hand, also produces magnificent wines that are more accessible and can be enjoyed a bit younger. They extend across several appellations: Vacqueyras, Côtes du Rhône, or Vin de Pays de Vaucluse.

Château des Tours:
The red Côtes-du-Rhône and Vin de Pays du Vaucluse are robust wines that appeal to fans of sun-drenched wines. Vacqueyras requires more time to mature but also yields more complexity.

Domaine des Tours:
Numerous cuvées stamped with the Vin de Pays de Vaucluse appellation are offered here, showcasing the most beautiful grape varieties of the Southern Rhône, such as Grenache, Counoise, Syrah, Cinsault, Clairette... and even Merlot!

Parisy: A magnificent gastronomic rosé, classified as Vin de France!
This rosé, reminiscent of Bordeaux Clairet in its color, is an assembly of Cinsault and Grenache. It is a veritable explosion of indulgence! A burst of fruits in the mouth, like crushed strawberries, it is a rich wine with a suave and unique character.

The Best Vintages and Other Great Estates of the Southern Rhône Valley

Discover magnificent estates in the Southern Rhône Valley that also produce great Grenache, Syrah, Clairette, and more, such as Beaucastel, Clos du Mont Olivet, Janasse, Pierre Usséglio, Saint Préfert, Tardieu Laurent, or Vieux Télégraphe.

Recognized vintages in the region include:

Exceptional Vintages: 2022, 2016, 2015, 2009, 2001, 1999, 1978, 1970

Great Vintages: 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2014, 2012, 2010, 2006, 2005, 2003, 2000, 1998, 1995, 1990, 1979, 1976, 1975