In the glass
Aroma: chamomile, golden apple, almond, beeswax, honeysuckle
Palate: pear tart, marzipan, gentle spice, mineral, long floral finish
100% Grenache Blanc from sandy old vines; an unusual and complex white Chateauneuf with delicate florals, almond pastry texture, and remarkable longevity.
What it pairs with
-
Langoustine with almond butter
The almond and floral notes echo the dish's richness. -
Aged Gruyere with honey
Nutty, waxy Grenache Blanc finds a partner in aged mountain cheese. -
Roasted chicken with tarragon
Medium body and subtle herb character complement white poultry.
How to serve Chateau Rayas Chateauneuf-du-Pape Blanc
Allow 35 minutes from open to pour.
- Open and decant. Open 30 minutes before serving and pour into a decanter to aerate.
- Serve at 10-12°C. Cellar temperature (10-12°C) is the band for this style. Warmer pushes alcohol forward; colder dampens aromatics.
- Glassware. Use a medium-sized white-wine glass: the bowl shape rewards the wine's structure.
- Pair with. Langoustine with almond butter, Aged Gruyere with honey, Roasted chicken with tarragon. Match the wine's structure to the dish's fat and salt.
History
Made from 100% Grenache Blanc in the same low-intervention style as the red. Rayas blanc is extraordinarily rare with tiny production and commands prices approaching the red.
- 1950 — White cuvee first bottled under the Chateau Rayas label
- 1997 — Emmanuel Reynaud continues production after Jacques Reynaud's death
Facts
- Producer
- Chateau Rayas
- Grapes
- Grenache Blanc (100%)
- Classification
- Chateauneuf-du-Pape AOC
- Oak
- Old foudres; no new oak
- ABV
- 13.5%
- Price
- EUR 200-500 at retail
- Drinking window
- 3-20 from vintage
- First vintage
- 1950
Frequently asked about Chateau Rayas Chateauneuf-du-Pape Blanc
What does Chateau Rayas Chateauneuf-du-Pape Blanc taste like?
On the nose, chamomile, golden apple, almond, beeswax, honeysuckle. On the palate, pear tart, marzipan, gentle spice, mineral, long floral finish. Structurally full-bodied, low tannins, medium acidity with a long finish. 100% Grenache Blanc from sandy old vines; an unusual and complex white Chateauneuf with delicate florals, almond pastry texture, and remarkable longevity.
When should I drink Chateau Rayas Chateauneuf-du-Pape Blanc?
Drink 3-20 from vintage. Young vintages benefit from 30-90 minutes of decanting; mature bottles should be handled carefully for sediment.
What food pairs with Chateau Rayas Chateauneuf-du-Pape Blanc?
Langoustine with almond butter is the canonical pairing. Other strong matches include Aged Gruyere with honey and Roasted chicken with tarragon. The almond and floral notes echo the dish's richness.
What grapes are in Chateau Rayas Chateauneuf-du-Pape Blanc?
The blend is Grenache Blanc (100%). The wine is classified as Chateauneuf-du-Pape AOC.