We aim to have all wines be vintage specific. In the case the listed vintage is out of stock and you note you would like that particular vintage, we will inform you via email for approval to go ahead.
About This Wine
When Jacques Reynaud, whom many consider the godfather of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, passed away in 1997 the reigns were handed over to his nephew Emmanuel who was already managing Chateau des Tours in Sarrians. He is very much a farmer and Chateau des Tours his is family's residence where they farm produce and tend the very old plots of grenache, carignan and syrah.
As he oversees the winemaking at all three properties the mantra is the same at des Tours as Rayas; Organic farming, manual ploughing and hand harvesting of the vineyards and a softly-softly, intuitive approach in the cellar. Some consider Emmanuel's delicate hand and attention to detail may even be elevating further the quality of these beautiful, and very elusive wines.
The elegant 2011 vintage suits the Reyanud style very well. Quite forward and approachable now but we know how well these wines can age. A superb and pure Vacqueyras which is a benchmark for the appellation.
Type | Red Wine |
---|---|
Varietal(s) | Grenache |
Country | France |
Region | Rhone Valley |
Brand | Chateau Des Tours |
Vintage | 2011 |
Wines of Rhone Valley
The Rhone wine region is situation in the south of France in the Rhone Valley. The region is split into north and south with distinctively different winemaking styles. In the north, the main grape used is Syrah and is sometimes blended with white varietals. In the south however, reds are a blend of Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Carignan and Cinsault. You may be familiar with this sort of blend; in Australia it is labelled GSM.
Wines are produced under various Appellation d'origine contrôlée (AOC) designations. The most prestigious of which is Chateauneuf-du-Pape. You may also have heard of other AOC names such as Gigondas, Hermitage, Lirac, St Joseph. Wines coming from these and other AOCs are all on the higher end of the market.
On the value end we have wines produced in Cotes-du-Rhone AOC. Cotes-du-Rhone often refers to wines made in the Rhone Valley that do not fall under any other AOC, often from the flatter areas around Southern Rhone. However, it also does include the fringes of well-respected northern appellations as well. In terms of volume, a majority of Rhone wine falls under the Cotes-du-Rhone AOC and it offers some of the best value in France and even some first-rate and age-worthy reds.
Full-bodied and flavourful white wine blends are also made in the region. These are typically a combination of Grenache Blanc, Marsanne, Roussanne and Viognier.