In the glass

Full-bodiedLow tanninMedium acidityDryLong finish

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.

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.

  1. 1950 — White cuvee first bottled under the Chateau Rayas label
  2. 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

Tags

cellar worthy cult wine dry full body grenache blanc low tannin medium acid mood contemplative mood elegant occasion cellar occasion gift occasion special old vines old world pairs with shellfish pairs with soft cheese pairs with white fish price luxury still white
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