Côtes du Rhône La Pialade 2020 Chateau Rayas

The Côtes du Rhône La Pialade 2020 from Château Rayas is a silky, fruit driven red from the Rhône, marked by great finesse and signed by the Reynaud family. Sourced from vines linked to the Rayas and Fonsalette estates, it shares their airy style and purity of fruit. It is an ideal entry point into the signature of this legendary domaine, at an accessible price.

Terroir and vineyards
La Pialade comes from vines in the Fonsalette sector, at Lagarde Paréol, north of Orange, and from Reynaud family parcels. The vines grow on sandy and clay limestone soils, partly surrounded by woodland, in a cooler area than the neighbouring plain. The wine is predominantly Grenache, completed with Cinsault and Syrah, all hand harvested. The 2020 vintage, warm and balanced, produced ripe, healthy grapes and wines with brilliant fruit.

Tasting profile
The colour is a bright ruby. The nose opens on raspberry, cherry and wild strawberry, with notes of garrigue, rose, pepper and sweet spices. The palate is supple and silky, carried by fine tannins and lovely freshness. The finish is fruity, spiced and delicately floral. The wine is now in a very fine phase and will keep for a few more years.

The estate
Château Rayas, the cult estate of Châteauneuf du Pape, belongs to the Reynaud family, who also own Château de Fonsalette. Emmanuel Reynaud led the estate for nearly thirty years, until his passing in 2025, with a singular style, free of fashion: very low yields, ageing in old barrels and absolute respect for fruit and terroir. This 2020 vintage, made under his direct hand, becomes all the more precious.

Food and wine pairing
Serve between 15 and 16 °C. It pairs beautifully with a plate of charcuterie, grilled lamb chops, herb roasted chicken, a light daube, ratatouille or pizza. Among cheeses, it goes very well with Banon, Saint Nectaire or a sheep's milk tomme.