The 13 hectares of north facing slopes are in the northern section of Châteauneuf-du-Pape shaded by forests, where the vineyards are cooler. The soil is sand over marl and clay. The galets stones in other parts of the village are not present at Rayas. Jacques learned from his father that the way to get the most out of Grenache was to heavily restrict yields to no more than 10 or 15 hectoliters per hectare and Emmanuel continues the tradition. Both Rayas and Pignan are 100% Grenache. The grapes from Rayas are from the oldest vines. All the wines are made traditionally. There is no destemming, whole bunches are macerated and fermented in concrete without temperature control. Fonsalette produces two red Côtes du Rhône’s, Pialade, and a Syrah Cuvée and a white. The ultra-rare Rayas white is 50% Clairette and 50% Granache Blanc. Join us for an extraordinary vertical of this magical Domaine.