Chateau Rayas, Pignan, Fonsalette, Chateau and Domaine des Tours are all fathered by the legendary Emmanuel Reynaud, unmistakably one of the finest wine producers of Rhone.
Rayas story went back to 1880, when Emmanuel’s great grandfather created the estate, back then, dedicated to different crops. The estate became solely dedicated to viticulture since early 1900s. During Second World War, the family acquired Domaine des Tours and Chateau de Fonsalette and were run by the two sons of the family by then. Emmanuel, being the nephew of Jacques Reynaud, took over in 1997 as the direct descendant himself, then a bachelor, passed away untimely.
Here’s an overview of what each of Rayas wine stands for:
Rayas: 10 hectares of vines standing on exclusively sandy soil, a key contributing factor towards its elegant, almost Burgundian like style. Red is a 100% Grenache, White is a 50% Grenache Blanc and 50% Clairette.
Pignan: NOT to be considered Rayas’ second wine, albeit commonly associated. This is a separate plot planted to 100% Grenache, raised on soils that are much less sandy. The production accounts for 1/5 of entire Rayas estate’s production. The style is more classically Chateauneuf i.e. broad-shouldered, intense and full.
Fonsalette: Various plots of vines amassing to 10 hectares in Southern Rhone. Red Fonsalette is made of 50% Grenache, 35% Cinsault and 15% Syrah. White Fonsalette is a blend of 80% Grenache Blanc, 10% Clairette and 10% Marsanne. Fonsalette wines are made at Chateau Rayas.
Chateau de Tours: Almost 40 hectares of vines come under the umbrella of Chateau de Tours. You can taste Reynaud imprint in Chateau / Domaine de Tours especially for bottlings post 1997 as Emmanuel Reynaud is in charge of all Rayas estates. Among all, the Vacqueyras remains most similar to Rayas / Fonsalette in expressing a more subtle, delicate and refined texture. You can also find Cotes du Rhone red and white, a Vin de Pays de Vaucluse red and white, and uniquely, a rose dubbed “Parisy” under this line.
Currently, Rayas, of any vintages, are going for an average of HKD 10,000 HKD per bottle, showing a fall of roughly 15-20%. Considering its quality ratio and regional status, this is a good time to increase your holdings on Rayas in your portfolio as a blue-chip Rhone wine. Special mention to the IB case of Rayas Chateauneuf-du-Pape Reserve 2007. 2007 is one of the best vintages over the past 20 years – as proven by its high score of 98; as well as its superlative tea-infused perfumed aromas. Currently, it is being offered at a near lowest offer over past 5 years for HKD 9,572 per bottle. It will be a crown jewel in your Rhone collection for enjoyment in years to come.