In the glass
Aroma: kirsch, rose water, garrigue, gentle spice, fennel
Palate: red cherry, raspberry, cinnamon, soft tannins, fresh finish
The second wine of Chateau Rayas from younger vines in the same sandy parcels; lighter-framed Grenache with the estate's signature aromatic finesse at an accessible price.
What it pairs with
-
Grilled lamb chops with mint
Fresh-framed Grenache with high acidity suits lighter lamb preparations. -
Rabbit with herbs
Medium body and red fruit complement rabbit's mild gaminess. -
Tapenade bruschetta
Herbal and kirsch notes echo Provencal tapenade.
How to serve Pignan
Allow 65 minutes from open to pour.
- Open and decant. Open 60 minutes before serving and pour into a decanter to aerate.
- Serve at 14-16°C. Cellar temperature (14-16°C) is the band for this style. Warmer pushes alcohol forward; colder dampens aromatics.
- Glassware. Use a Burgundy bowl with a wide opening: the bowl shape rewards the wine's structure.
- Pair with. Grilled lamb chops with mint, Rabbit with herbs, Tapenade bruschetta. Match the wine's structure to the dish's fat and salt.
History
The second label of Chateau Rayas from a separate parcel of younger vines adjacent to the Rayas vineyard. Pignan offers access to the Rayas style at a fraction of the price.
- 1978 — Pignan established as the second label of Chateau Rayas
Facts
- Producer
- Chateau Rayas
- Grapes
- Grenache (100%)
- Classification
- Chateauneuf-du-Pape AOC
- Oak
- Old foudres; no new oak
- ABV
- 14.0%
- Price
- EUR 80-150 at retail
- Drinking window
- 3-15 from vintage
- First vintage
- 1978
Frequently asked about Pignan
What does Pignan taste like?
On the nose, kirsch, rose water, garrigue, gentle spice, fennel. On the palate, red cherry, raspberry, cinnamon, soft tannins, fresh finish. Structurally medium-bodied, low tannins, high acidity with a medium finish. The second wine of Chateau Rayas from younger vines in the same sandy parcels; lighter-framed Grenache with the estate's signature aromatic finesse at an accessible price.
When should I drink Pignan?
Drink 3-15 from vintage. Young vintages benefit from 30-90 minutes of decanting; mature bottles should be handled carefully for sediment.
What food pairs with Pignan?
Grilled lamb chops with mint is the canonical pairing. Other strong matches include Rabbit with herbs and Tapenade bruschetta. Fresh-framed Grenache with high acidity suits lighter lamb preparations.
What grapes are in Pignan?
The blend is Grenache (100%). The wine is classified as Chateauneuf-du-Pape AOC.