Chateau Rayas Chateauneuf-du-Pape Pignan 2008

Chateau Rayas Chateauneuf-du-Pape Pignan 2008
Cool, late-ripening 2008 tested every grower in Chateauneuf, yet the Reynaud family's north-facing sand at Rayas turned adversity into ethereal grace. Pignan, drawn from two hectares hidden behind pine trees, channels the domaine's kirsch purity in a lighter register, whole-cluster fermentation weaving tea-leaf spice through silken Grenache. Barely 650 cases left the cellar, each bottle a quiet glimpse of Rayas' timeless delicacy and the vintage's measured poise.

Producer: Chateau Rayas
Vintage: 2008
Designation: Chateauneuf-du-Pape
Parcels / Lieu-dit: Pignan (two hectares behind pine trees)
Variety: Grenache
Average Vine Age: 65 years 
Soils & Exposure: Fine red sand with scattered pebbles; cool, north-facing site sheltered by forest
Fermentation: 100 % whole-cluster, native yeasts in concrete vats; 10-14 day maceration
Élevage: 12 months in 80-100-year-old foudres; bottled lightly filtered
Alcohol: 14.0 % vol.
Total Production: 650 cases/7.800 bottles
Fun Fact: Pignan means “pine tree” in Provençal, a nod to the towering pines bordering the vines.

The Domaine
Founded in 1880, Chateau Rayas is the most singular voice in Chateauneuf-du-Pape. Twelve hectares of cool, sand-rich vines—now stewarded by Emmanuel Reynaud—yield Grenache of haunting perfume and featherweight power. Low yields, organic farming and ancient foudres preserve an almost pre-modern transparency. Demand perpetually eclipses supply, making every Rayas bottling a coveted treasure among collectors.