Structure

Bodymedium
Tanninlow
Acidityhigh
Sweetnessdry
Finishmedium
Oaknew oak

Drinking window

Best 3 to 15 years from vintage.
vintage3 yrs15 yrs17 yrs

Critic scores

No critic score is published for this bottle that we can cite with a reviewer, a vintage and a review year, so none is shown. The rating in the header is our own.

In the glass

Medium-bodiedLow tanninHigh acidityDryMedium finish

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.

  1. Open and decant. Open 60 minutes before serving and pour into a decanter to aerate.
  2. Serve at 14-16°C. Cellar temperature (14-16°C) is the band for this style. Warmer pushes alcohol forward; colder dampens aromatics.
  3. Glassware. Use a Burgundy bowl with a wide opening: the bowl shape rewards the wine's structure.
  4. 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.

  1. 1978: Pignan established as the second label of Chateau Rayas

Facts

Producer
Chateau Rayas · visiting guide
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.

Tags

dry grenache high acid low tannin medium body medium term mood easygoing mood rustic occasion dinner party occasion weeknight old world pairs with charcuterie pairs with poultry pairs with red meat price fine still red value pick

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