In 1880 Albert Reynaud decided to buy Château Rayas, situated in the Châteauneuf du Pape appellation with over 11 hectares of vines, including 1 hectare of white, being planted on unique terroirs and to run it. After a while, he has purchased Château Fonsalette in the north of Orange. These two châteaux then were taken over in 1978 by the third generation and in 1997 by the fourth with Emmanuel Reynaud, who already ran Château des Tours. Emmanuel Reynaud is now at the head of the Château, succeeding several generations of his family.
Château Rayas exclusively cultivates Grenache Noir on its distinctive sandy soils within the appellation. This grape variety is harvested later than in other parts of the region, thanks to the northern orientation of the vineyard, which enjoys a cooler climate. Despite relatively low yields, with only 10,000 bottles crafted annually from 10 hectares of vines, this limited production is undoubtedly the key to a wine that stands among the finest. Additionally, Clairette is cultivated for the select prestigious bottles of white wine.
Château Fonsalette, in the commune of Lagarde-Paréol, comprises around ten hectares of vines mixed with woodland and olive groves. Unlike Château Rayas, other grape varieties are added, such as Cinsault and Syrah for the reds and Grenache and Marsanne for the whites. The wines are vinified at Château Rayas and, as with the wines from this estate, the wines from Château Fonsalette are highly acclaimed by wine lovers.
Château des Tours covers almost 40 hectares of vines in the Côtes-du-Rhône, Vacqueyras and Vaucluse Vins de Pays appellations. Due to the vineyards’ geographical placement, Emmanuel Reynaud produces wines that are sunnier yet equally remarkable.
It’s crucial to emphasize that Emmanuel Reynaud strongly advocates for the freedom granted to wines during the vinification process, as well as the significant role played by old foudresin shaping the taste, personality, and intensity of his wines. These wines have great ageing potential that never cease to give us eternal pleasure.
