Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône, France
Château Rayas
A singular and almost mythical Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Rayas defies convention by making a profound, age-worthy wine from 100% Grenache grown on sandy soils.
History
Rayas is the most idiosyncratic of the great Châteauneuf-du-Pape estates, long associated with the reclusive Jacques Reynaud and now run by his nephew Emmanuel Reynaud. Where most of the appellation blends many grape varieties, Rayas has always gone its own way, producing a Grenache of unusual purity and depth.
Style and Character
Made from 100% Grenache grown on cool, sandy soils rather than the appellation's famous galets pebbles, Rayas is unlike any other Châteauneuf. It is ethereal yet deep, with red fruit purity, perfume and a silken texture more reminiscent of fine Burgundy than the southern Rhône. Yields are tiny and the wine ages remarkably.
INVESTMENT NOTES
Why collectors and investors pay attention
Rayas has a devoted global following and a reputation that far exceeds its modest production. Its scarcity, cult status and the unmistakable singularity of the wine drive strong and resilient collector demand. It is one of the few Rhône estates that trades with the prestige and price trajectory more usually associated with Burgundy.
Key Wines
Château Rayas Châteauneuf-du-Pape Réservée
The flagship red.
Pignan
The second red.
Château Rayas Blanc
A rare and prized white.