Jacques Reynaud

Jacques Reynaud was the proprietor of Château Rayas, one of the most iconic estates in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Rayas is famous for its Grenache-dominant wines sourced from sandy, north-facing vineyards that are unusually shaded for the Southern Rhône, contributing to the wine's elegance and finesse.

Château Rayas produces wines that are 100% Grenache, which is atypical for Châteauneuf-du-Pape where most estates blend Grenache with Syrah, Mourvèdre, and other permitted varieties. Additionally, Rayas's sandy soils and cooler vineyard orientation produce a style of wine that is lighter in color and more ethereal than the typical powerful, structured Châteauneuf.

After Jacques Reynaud's unexpected death in 1997, the estate was taken over by his nephew Emmanuel Reynaud, who also manages Château des Tours and Domaine Fonsalette. Emmanuel has largely maintained the traditional Rayas style, continuing to produce 100% Grenache wines with long maceration and aging in large old oak foudres.

Reynaud was known for extended maceration periods and aging in large, old oak foudres rather than small new barriques, allowing Grenache to develop without being dominated by oak flavors. He also harvested later than many neighbors and worked with very low yields from his old-vine Grenache, contributing to the concentration and complexity that made Rayas legendary.