Cinsault – Le Roux Vins https://lerouxvins.com Sip the essence of excellence. Tue, 14 Jul 2026 07:26:52 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.1 https://lerouxvins.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/cropped-le-roux-vins-logo-webshop-icon-32x32.png Cinsault – Le Roux Vins https://lerouxvins.com 32 32 239270759 Vin de Pays de Vaucluse Rouge 2013, Domaine des Tours https://lerouxvins.com/en/product/vin-de-pays-de-vaucluse-rouge-2013-domaine-des-tours-3/ https://lerouxvins.com/en/product/vin-de-pays-de-vaucluse-rouge-2013-domaine-des-tours-3/#respond Wed, 10 Jun 2026 14:04:56 +0000 https://lerouxvins.com/?post_type=product&p=2898 Vin de Pays de Vaucluse Rouge 2013, Domaine des Tours: The Vintage That Demands Patience — and Rewards It

2013 was not, in the southern Rhône, a year for the impatient. A cool, wet spring, a capricious summer, a long, late autumn — a vintage that forced winemakers to choose: harvest early and play it safe, or wait and hope. Emmanuel Reynaud waited. He always waited. And what emerged from that waiting is a Domaine des Tours Vaucluse Rouge that is, of all the estate's vintages, the coolest, most taut and most mineral — the least southern in character, drifting furthest towards Burgundy or the northern Rhône. A wine for connoisseurs seeking precisely that: tension over warmth, finesse over fullness, depth over immediate accessibility.

What's it Like?

In the glass, a pale, almost delicate ruby — even lighter than the warm vintages, with a hint of garnet. The nose is complex and quiet: red cherries, sour cherry, pomegranate, fresh herbs, moist tobacco, a hint of forest floor and a mineral depth that immediately evokes granite and limestone. On the palate, lean, precise and electrifyingly fresh — the texture is silky but taut as a bowstring. The tannins are fine and firm, the acidity lively and structural. The finish is long, mineral, almost saline — and evolves in the glass for hours. At least 90 minutes of decanting is strongly recommended.

Serving temperature: 16–17°C · Drinking window: now through 2027, optimal today

Perfect For

A considered, elegant dinner. Its cool, taut structure pairs beautifully with a herb-roasted leg of lamb, a grilled entrecôte with herb butter, a goat's cheese soufflé, or a powerful Comté — dishes that need structure to honour the structure of the wine.

The Critics Agree...

The 2013 Domaine des Tours Vaucluse Rouge is described by connoisseurs as one of the most intellectual vintages from the estate — cooler, more austere and more mineral than the warm years, with a depth and tension that sets it apart from the crowd. CellarTracker entries praise its "astonishing freshness and tension for the region" and its "almost Burgundian minerality." For those seeking Reynaud in his purest, most uncompromising form — this is it.

  • What is it? The coolest, most taut and most mineral vintage of France's most fascinating country wine — Emmanuel Reynaud in the year of patience.
  • From? IGP Vaucluse, Southern Rhône, France.
  • Grapes? Grenache, Merlot, Counoise, Cinsault, Syrah — old vines, organically farmed on black sand and gravel.
  • Tastes Like? Sour cherry, pomegranate, fresh herbs, moist tobacco, granite and salinity.
  • Critics score? Insider's recommendation — praised for "almost Burgundian minerality and electrifying finish."
]]> Vin de Pays de Vaucluse Rouge 2013, Domaine des Tours

The Difficult Vintage: Why 2013 is the Most Honest Year from Domaine des Tours

In the wine world, there are easy vintages and difficult vintages. The easy ones make every winemaker look brilliant — warmth, ripeness, concentration, applause. The difficult ones sort things out. They separate winemakers from farmers, patience from impatience, conviction from adaptation.

2013 was a difficult vintage. And Domaine des Tours 2013 is perhaps the most honest wine Emmanuel Reynaud has ever made.

A Year Against the Current

The spring of 2013 in Provence was cold and wet. The flowering was irregular. The summer was capricious — warm, then cold, then warm again. Many producers in the South harvested early to avoid the worst. Reynaud did not. He waited for autumn — for those final October weeks when the weather finally cleared and the grapes found the last ripeness they needed.

The result: grapes with unusually high acidity, less concentration than in warm years, but a minerality and freshness that gave the wines a tension rare in the southern Rhône. This is not a wine you love immediately. It is a wine you understand — and then cannot put down.

What “Natural Acidity” Means

In the age of climate change, natural acidity in the South of France is a rare commodity. Most modern wines from the Vaucluse or Côtes du Rhône are acidified with purchased tartaric acid — a legal, widespread practice that is technically clean and yet misses something fundamental. The acidity must come from the grape. From the vine. From the vintage.

In the 2013 Domaine des Tours, it comes from exactly there. And you feel it. The wine has a tension, a vivacity, a precision on the palate that cannot be bought. You can only let it grow — or wait until it is there.

Reynaud waited.

The Paradox of the Cool Year in the Warm South

Here lies the paradox of 2013: in a year that the wine world labelled as difficult, Reynaud made a wine that cannot be born in many other years. Not because he did something exceptional — but because he did nothing against it. He let nature be what it was that year: cooler, more taut, more mineral than usual. And he waited until it was finished.

That is the true lesson of Domaine des Tours 2013. Not “a good wine from a difficult year.” But: “A different wine from a different year — and that is not an excuse, it is a quality.”

Anyone who knows all four vintages in the range — 2013, 2016, 2017, 2018 — drinks four different versions of the same philosophy. Four different answers to the same question: what can Grenache from Sarrians truly be? The 2013 gives the coolest, most austere and perhaps most thoughtful answer of all.

]]> https://lerouxvins.com/en/product/vin-de-pays-de-vaucluse-rouge-2013-domaine-des-tours-3/feed/ 0 2898 Côtes du Rhône La Pialade 2015, Emmanuel Reynaud https://lerouxvins.com/en/product/cotes-du-rhone-la-pialade-2015-emmanuel-reynaud-3/ https://lerouxvins.com/en/product/cotes-du-rhone-la-pialade-2015-emmanuel-reynaud-3/#respond Wed, 10 Jun 2026 13:58:21 +0000 https://lerouxvins.com/?post_type=product&p=2893 Côtes du Rhône La Pialade 2015, Emmanuel Reynaud: The Grapes That Rayas Didn't Want

There is a sentence Emmanuel Reynaud is said to have uttered about La Pialade — sober, laconic, typically him: "This is the wine made from the grapes that didn't deserve to become Rayas or Fonsalette." The "petit vin." The modest one. And then you drink it. And you understand what that says about Rayas.

The 2015 vintage in the southern Rhône was warm, sunny and opulent — one of the most structured and expressive vintages of the decade, with perfect ripeness and a freshness that, despite the summer heat, preserved the wines' vivacity. For La Pialade — vinified in the cellar of Château Rayas itself, from a blend of Grenache, Cinsault and Syrah from Rayas and Fonsalette — 2015 was a vintage that brought out the best from this "little wine": warm, fruity, caressing, immediate. A Côtes du Rhône that needs no explanation — it drinks itself.

What's it Like?

In the glass, a pale, lightly saturated ruby with slight garnet nuances — the unmistakable Reynaud transparency, even here. The nose is delightful: candied red fruits, strawberry, raspberry, dried rose, lavender, white pepper and a delicate hint of bitter cocoa and spice. On the palate, silky, round and extraordinarily caressing — a ribbon of silk that unfolds with freshness, red fruits, bay leaf and fine spices across the palate. The tannins are fully dissolved, the acidity lively, the finish aromatic and persistent. A wine that requires no thought — a wine to be enjoyed, now, without ceremony.

Serving temperature: 15–16°C · Drinking window: now, at its peak — don't wait too long

Perfect For

A relaxed dinner with no occasion required. La Pialade is the wine you open when you simply want to drink something good — with a royal couscous, a daube provençale, a grilled herb chicken, a cheese board, or simply on its own, at the table with good friends.

The Critics Agree...

La Pialade holds cult status among collectors and connoisseurs of the Reynaud universe — not for its points, but for its origin. Insiders describe it as "incredible for the price — the 'little wine' of Rayas, better than the selection of most others." The perfect entry ticket into the Reynaud universe: immediately accessible yet carrying its unmistakable character.

  • What is it? The "little wine" of Château Rayas — made from the grapes of Rayas and Fonsalette that Emmanuel Reynaud deemed insufficient for his great wines. What that says about his great wines, one can only imagine.
  • From? Côtes du Rhône, Southern Rhône, France (AOC) — vinified in the cellar of Château Rayas, Châteauneuf-du-Pape.
  • Grapes? 80% Grenache, 15% Cinsault, 5% Syrah.
  • Tastes Like? Candied strawberry, raspberry, dried rose, lavender, white pepper and fine spice.
  • Critics score? Cult status in the Reynaud universe — the most accessible gateway to the wines of Château Rayas.
]]> Côtes du Rhône La Pialade 2015, Emmanuel Reynaud

La Pialade: What Happens When Rayas Sorts

In every great estate in the world, there is a selection. A quiet but consequential decision: these barrels will become the great wine. These will not. The rejected grapes — not concentrated enough, not ripe enough, the wrong parcel in this particular year — become something else.

In most great estates, that means a second wine. At Château Rayas, it means La Pialade.

The “Rejects” of Rayas

Emmanuel Reynaud is known for making no compromises. Every grape that does not pass selection for Rayas or Fonsalette ends up in La Pialade. Not because it is bad — but because it does not meet Reynaud’s standard for those wines. The benchmark is Rayas. And those who know Rayas understand: that benchmark is absurdly high.

The result is a wine that insiders describe as the most generous secret of the southern Rhône. A Côtes du Rhône better than nine out of ten Châteauneuf-du-Papes on the market. Not because of the appellation. Not because of the terroir. But because of the hands that make it — and because those hands have already taken the best for Rayas, and still leave this behind.

Vinified in the Cellar of Rayas

This is not a detail — it is the heart of the story. La Pialade is not born in a separate cellar, not in a different facility. It is born in the mythical cellar of Château Rayas itself, with the same old foudres, the same spontaneous yeasts, the same temperature, the same care. What the wine loses is the status of the grape. What it keeps is everything else.

Spontaneous fermentation. No temperature control. Long ageing. No filtration. No fining. The result is a wine that — despite its modest appellation — carries the full Reynaud craft: transparency, freshness, floral finesse, a lightness that deceives.

A Wine for Every Evening — and for No Special Occasion

There are wines you keep. For special evenings, for grand occasions, for guests who understand. And then there are wines you simply open. Because it is Tuesday. Because dinner is ready. Because you want to drink something good without thinking about it.

La Pialade is that wine. And that is not a comment on its quality — it is a comment on its character. It is the friend in the Reynaud universe: accessible, warm, immediately understood. Where Fonsalette makes you think and Rayas leaves you speechless, La Pialade simply makes you happy.

And sometimes that is the greatest thing of all.

]]> https://lerouxvins.com/en/product/cotes-du-rhone-la-pialade-2015-emmanuel-reynaud-3/feed/ 0 2893 Côtes du Rhône Rouge 2012, Château de Fonsalette https://lerouxvins.com/en/product/cotes-du-rhone-rouge-2012-chateau-de-fonsalette-en/ https://lerouxvins.com/en/product/cotes-du-rhone-rouge-2012-chateau-de-fonsalette-en/#respond Mon, 18 May 2026 10:36:46 +0000 https://lerouxvins.com/?post_type=product&p=2847 Côtes du Rhône Rouge 2012, Château de Fonsalette: The Côtes du Rhône That Surpasses Everything

Directly outside the boundaries of Châteauneuf-du-Pape — literally a stone's throw from the mythical Château Rayas — lies an estate that has fascinated and bewildered the wine world for decades. Château de Fonsalette is a Côtes du Rhône. On paper. In the bottle, it is something else entirely. The 2012 vintage in the southern Rhône was warm and dry, with excellent natural ripeness and a freshness that lent the vintage genuine elegance. For Emmanuel Reynaud, who vinifies Fonsalette with the same hands, the same philosophy and the same cellar as Rayas, 2012 is a vintage that perfectly captures the classic Fonsalette signature: a rich nose of ripe red fruits, flowers and spices, a palate of exceptional silkiness and finesse. A wine to which its appellation label is entirely indifferent.

What's it Like?

In the glass, a luminous, medium-deep ruby. The nose is a captivating bouquet: ripe red fruits, cherry, raspberry, rose, wilted violets, licorice and a delicate hint of garrigue and spice. With air, it opens further — moist tobacco, forest floor, a nuance of leather and truffle. On the palate, exceptionally supple and silky, with a freshness and vitality that makes it electrifying despite its age. The tannins are fully integrated, the finish long, complex and aromatically persistent. A wine that unfolds in the glass like a flower — and that presents itself after two hours of decanting in a completely different way than at the first pour.

Serving temperature: 16–17°C · Drinking window: now through 2028, optimal today

Perfect For

A classic southern French feast. Its floral, earthy profile with delicate spice calls for a herb-roasted leg of lamb à la Provençale, a charcoal-grilled entrecôte with herb butter, a wild boar ragù with black olives, or a well-aged goat's cheese such as Pélardon or Picodon.

The Critics Agree...

The Fonsalette Rouge 2012 was awarded 93 points by Wine-Searcher critics — exceptional for a Côtes du Rhône and proof of this wine's extraordinary character. Connoisseurs describe it as "nearly parallel in quality to Rayas itself — beyond the quality of any Côtes du Rhône before or since." Jancis Robinson praised the Cinsault component as "very pretty, floral and spicy." A wine that makes you forget its appellation status entirely.

  • What is it? The greatest Côtes du Rhône in the world — vinified with the same hands, the same cellar and the same philosophy as Château Rayas.
  • From? Côtes du Rhône, Southern Rhône, France (AOC) — directly outside the boundaries of Châteauneuf-du-Pape.
  • Grapes? 50% Grenache Noir, 35% Cinsault, 10% Syrah — old vines, minimal intervention.
  • Tastes Like? Cherry, raspberry, rose, wilted violet, licorice, garrigue and fine tobacco.
  • Critics score? 93/100 Wine-Searcher critics average.
]]> Côtes du Rhône Rouge 2012, Château de Fonsalette

Château de Fonsalette: The Secret on the Other Side of the Boundary

Boundaries in wine are strange things. One metre of difference in location can be the difference between a simple table wine and a legendary Grand Cru — not because of the soil, not because of the grape, but because of a line that humans drew on a map.

Château de Fonsalette lives on the wrong side of that line. And makes of it one of the greatest estates in France.

1945: The Purchase That Started Everything

Louis Reynaud, grandfather of the current guardian Emmanuel Reynaud, acquired Fonsalette in 1945 — shortly after the end of the Second World War, in a France slowly rebuilding itself. The estate lies near Lagarde-Paréol, in the Côtes du Rhône area, directly at the northern edge of the Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation. 120 hectares in total: forests, olive groves, agricultural land — and just 12 hectares of vines. This modesty of surface is not a weakness. It is intention.

The soils are complex: sand, clay, limestone — similar but not identical to the famous gravel soils of Rayas. Old-vine Grenache, Cinsault and Syrah for the reds; Grenache Blanc, Clairette and Marsanne for the whites. All harvested by hand. All vinified with the same methods as Rayas. All aged in the same cellar.

One Cellar. Three Legends.

This is the key to understanding Fonsalette: the wine is not vinified at Fonsalette itself. It travels to Emmanuel Reynaud — to Château Rayas. There, in the same mythical cellar, under the same direction, with the same old foudres and the same philosophy, the Fonsalette Rouge is born alongside the Rayas, alongside the Pignan. No temperature control. No filtration. Spontaneous fermentation. Long ageing.

What distinguishes Fonsalette from Rayas is not the method. It is the terroir — the other side of the boundary. And that makes it one of the most fascinating wines in France: a wine one does not drink because it is cheaper than Rayas. One drinks it because it is different. More deeply rooted in Cinsault and its floral lightness. Broader in its Grenache base. More accessible, but no less complex.

Cinsault: The Forgotten Pearl

In a world that worships Grenache and Syrah, Cinsault is the forgotten grape. Too light, some say. Too little colour, too little extraction. And yet: in Fonsalette, the Cinsault — up to 35% of the blend — gives the wine something Grenache alone cannot provide. Flowers. Rose. Violet. An airy lightness that keeps the wine from ever feeling heavy despite its depth. It is this lightness that distinguishes Fonsalette from every other southern Rhône wine — that Burgundian bearing that runs through every vintage.

The Price of Integrity

Fonsalette is one of the most sought-after Côtes du Rhône in the world — and one of the most expensive. Bottles from the great vintages change hands for more than 500 CHF on the secondary market. Not because there was a plan to create a luxury Côtes du Rhône. But because Emmanuel Reynaud simply does the only thing he knows: wine of absolute integrity, regardless of what is written on the label.

That is the paradox of Fonsalette. The label says Côtes du Rhône. The wine says: I am what I am. And that is enough.

]]> https://lerouxvins.com/en/product/cotes-du-rhone-rouge-2012-chateau-de-fonsalette-en/feed/ 0 2847 Vin de Pays de Vaucluse Rouge 2018, Domaine des Tours https://lerouxvins.com/en/product/vin-de-pays-de-vaucluse-rouge-2018-domaine-des-tours-3/ https://lerouxvins.com/en/product/vin-de-pays-de-vaucluse-rouge-2018-domaine-des-tours-3/#respond Wed, 06 May 2026 12:04:03 +0000 https://lerouxvins.com/?post_type=product&p=2827 Vin de Pays de Vaucluse Rouge 2018, Domaine des Tours: The Sunniest Chapter of a Silent Legend

2018 was a year of warmth, generosity and exceptional ripeness in the southern Rhône — one of the most generous vintages of the decade. Perfect conditions throughout the growing season, without the extreme heat spikes that unbalanced other years. For Emmanuel Reynaud, who farms his old Grenache, Merlot, Counoise, Cinsault and Syrah vines organically on the black sandy and gravelly soils of Sarrians, harvesting as late as possible, it was a dream year — not for a heavy, concentrated wine, but for something rare: a full, warm wine that still carries Burgundian finesse and a finish that perfectly preserves the year's sunshine. The 2018 is the most opulent of the three vintages in the range — and the most immediately accessible of its generation.

What's it Like?

In the glass, a slightly deeper ruby than is typical for the house — the warmth of the vintage is immediately visible. The nose is seductively rich: black cherry, ripe plum, blackberry, pomegranate, violet, dried herbes de Provence, a delicate hint of cocoa and moist tobacco. On the palate, full-bodied, silky and caressing — the tannins are ripe and round, the acidity fresh enough to carry the fullness. The finish is long, warm and aromatically persistent. A wine that does not wait or struggle — it gives itself completely, immediately, generously. At least 45 minutes of decanting is recommended.

Serving temperature: 16–17°C · Drinking window: now through 2026, at its peak today

Perfect For

A festive autumn or winter dinner. The opulent warmth of the 2018 calls for braised beef cheeks with olives and orange zest, a wild boar ragù with forest mushrooms, a grilled leg of lamb, or a powerful aged cheese such as Comté or Tomme de Savoie.

The Critics Agree...

The Domaine des Tours Vaucluse Rouge 2018 earned 91 points from the Wine-Searcher critics average — identical to the elegant 2016, but reached from an entirely different angle. Connoisseurs describe the 2018 as the "most perfumed and most opulent" of the recent vintages — a wine that expresses the full warmth of the South without ever losing the elegance that is Emmanuel Reynaud's signature.

  • What is it? The most opulent and warmest vintage of France's most fascinating country wine — from the hand of Emmanuel Reynaud, guardian of Château Rayas.
  • From? IGP Vaucluse, Southern Rhône, France.
  • Grapes? Grenache, Merlot, Counoise, Cinsault, Syrah — old vines, organically farmed on black sand and gravel.
  • Tastes Like? Black cherry, ripe plum, blackberry, violet, garrigue and moist tobacco.
  • Critics score? 91/100 Wine-Searcher critics average.
]]> Vin de Pays de Vaucluse Rouge 2018, Domaine des Tours

Time as Ingredient: Why Reynaud Waits When Everyone Else Rushes

In the modern wine world, time is money. Wine sitting in the winemaker’s cellar is wine that is not being sold, not being paid for, not existing. The economic logic is ruthless: wine is released as soon as the law permits.

Emmanuel Reynaud does not care.

The wines of Château des Tours and Domaine des Tours are routinely released almost a decade after the harvest. Not because storage is expensive. Not because the market demands it. But because Reynaud feels the wine is not yet ready. And because he asks nobody’s opinion.

The Winemaker’s Clock is Not the Market’s Clock

When the 2018 Domaine des Tours was released, nobody asked Reynaud when it would be ready. He decided it himself — quietly, discreetly, without announcement. The wine left the cellar when it left — not a day earlier. This is not a posture. It is a conviction rooted deeply in the estate’s history.

The Reynaud family purchased the 40 hectares in Sarrians in 1935. The old mas — flanked by two distinctive towers, hence “Des Tours” — has housed four generations since. Emmanuel took over from his father Bernard, brother of the legendary Jacques. He grew up in these vineyards, knowing every stone, every vine, every corner of the cellar. Patience was not a virtue he had to learn. It was simply the air he breathed.

No Temperature Control. No Rush. No Compromise.

The wines ferment spontaneously with native yeasts — often for more than a year, slowly and coolly in underground concrete tanks. No temperature management. No pressure. The CO2 blanket of fermentation naturally protects the wine. Then come the old barrels, various sizes, no new wood for the basic red wines. No fining. No filtration.

The result is every time the same miracle: a wine that looks like little and tastes like much. That reveals its origin without betraying its recipe. That lives in the glass — and not in the marketing material.

The 2018 is the perfect illustration of what happens when an exceptional year meets an exceptional winemaker who does not regard time as an enemy, but as the final ingredient.

]]> https://lerouxvins.com/en/product/vin-de-pays-de-vaucluse-rouge-2018-domaine-des-tours-3/feed/ 0 2827 Vin de Pays de Vaucluse Rouge 2017, Domaine des Tours https://lerouxvins.com/en/product/vin-de-pays-de-vaucluse-rouge-2017-domaine-des-tours-3/ https://lerouxvins.com/en/product/vin-de-pays-de-vaucluse-rouge-2017-domaine-des-tours-3/#respond Wed, 06 May 2026 11:46:05 +0000 https://lerouxvins.com/?post_type=product&p=2823 Vin de Pays de Vaucluse Rouge 2017, Domaine des Tours: The Warmth of an Exceptional Year

2017 was a year of contrasts and surprises in the southern Rhône. Devastating spring frosts decimated yields across France — but in Sarrians, on the well-exposed, pebble-strewn clay-limestone soils of Emmanuel Reynaud's Domaine des Tours, the damage remained limited. What followed was a long, warm summer with perfect ripeness — warmer and more direct than the cool, tense 2016, but bearing Reynaud's unmistakable fingerprint: finesse where others seek power, elegance where others aim for volume. Grenache, Merlot, Counoise, Cinsault, Syrah — on gravel and clay-limestone soils in Sarrians, organically farmed, harvested late. A wine that seduces from the very first sip.

What's it Like?

In the glass, a clear, luminous ruby — quintessentially Reynaud. The nose is open and inviting: red fruits, cherry, blackcurrant, pomegranate, delicate garrigue, a hint of licorice and black pepper. On the palate, round, soft and caressing — the warmth of the 2017 vintage gives the wine an immediate accessibility and an almost velvety texture that makes it fully delectable today. Fine, fully integrated tannins, fresh acidity, a long aromatic finish. Compared to the slightly more austere 2016, the 2017 is the more open, convivial brother — without losing any depth.

Serving temperature: 16–17°C · Drinking window: now through 2025, optimal today

Perfect For

A relaxed dinner with good friends. Its open, fruit-forward profile pairs beautifully with a herb-roasted chicken, a kid goat stew with vegetables, a grilled leg of lamb, or a creamy, spiced cheese like Reblochon or Banon.

The Critics Agree...

The Domaine des Tours Vaucluse Rouge earns an average of 89 to 91 points from Wine-Searcher critics — consistently remarkable for a country wine from the hand of one of France's most respected winemakers. Connoisseurs worldwide describe it as the most fascinating entry point into the Reynaud universe: accessible, complex, unforgettable — and at a price that, given its origins, is frankly unjust.

  • What is it? A warm, opulent vintage of France's most fascinating country wine — by Emmanuel Reynaud, the creator of Château Rayas.
  • From? IGP Vaucluse, Southern Rhône, France.
  • Grapes? Grenache, Merlot, Counoise, Cinsault, Syrah — old vines, organically farmed.
  • Tastes Like? Cherry, blackcurrant, pomegranate, garrigue, licorice and black pepper.
  • Critics score? 89/100 Wine-Searcher critics average.
]]> Vin de Pays de Vaucluse Rouge 2017, Domaine des Tours

2016 versus 2017: Two Characters, One Soul

When you have two vintages of the same wine in your cellar — and you have the rare fortune of owning both — the same question always arises: which one do you open first? For the Domaine des Tours Vaucluse Rouge, the answer is more complex and more interesting than one might think.

The 2016 is the introverted vintage. Cool, precise, with a tension and minerality one would more likely expect from a great Burgundy. It needs time — in the glass, in the decanter, in the cellar. It is the wine for the evening that unfolds slowly, that reveals itself layer by layer, that stays with you the next morning.

The 2017 is its sociable sibling. Warmer, rounder, more open — accessible from the first sip, seductive, immediate. It needs less time. It comes to you rather than waiting. It is the wine for the moment, for the impromptu dinner, for the first glass that immediately calls for a second.

Both come from the same hands, the same vines, the same cellar. And yet they tell different stories — like two chapters of the same novel, read at different volumes.

Silence as Method

What sets Reynaud apart from almost all other winemakers is not just his philosophy — it is his silence. He gives no interviews. He attends no trade fairs. He publishes no tasting notes. He sends no press releases. The wine speaks. The winemaker is quiet.

In an era where wine marketing has become louder than ever, this silence is radical. And it works, because the wine is strong enough to speak for itself — in every vintage, in every bottle, in every glass.

The 2017 is a particularly fine example of this. Warm, direct, seductive — and yet with that unmistakable Reynaud depth that elevates it above all other country wines in its category. You drink it and think: nobody else can do this. And you are right.

]]> https://lerouxvins.com/en/product/vin-de-pays-de-vaucluse-rouge-2017-domaine-des-tours-3/feed/ 0 2823 Vin de Pays de Vaucluse Rouge 2016, Domaine des Tours https://lerouxvins.com/en/product/vin-de-pays-de-vaucluse-rouge-2016-domaine-des-tours-3/ https://lerouxvins.com/en/product/vin-de-pays-de-vaucluse-rouge-2016-domaine-des-tours-3/#respond Wed, 06 May 2026 11:19:26 +0000 https://lerouxvins.com/?post_type=product&p=2819 Vin de Pays de Vaucluse Rouge 2016, Domaine des Tours: The Greatest Secret of a Modest Label

Emmanuel Reynaud — guardian of Château Rayas, the most sacred estate in the southern Rhône — produces under the Domaine des Tours label a wine that overturns everything one thinks one knows about French wine geography. A simple "Vin de Pays de Vaucluse" — no appellation, no prestige designation — built around a grape variety nobody expects in the Rhône Valley: Merlot, wrapped in Grenache, Counoise, Cinsault and Syrah. The 2016 vintage was cool and elegant, with perfect fruit ripeness and no excess — exactly what Reynaud's quiet philosophy demands. The result is a wine that connoisseurs regularly identify blind as a Burgundian Pinot Noir or a great Pomerol. And which arrives at a price that, given its quality and origin, is frankly scandalous.

What's it Like?

In the glass, a pale, transparent ruby — the unmistakable Reynaud fingerprint. The nose is captivating: ripe red fruits, sour cherry, pomegranate, violet, sandalwood, garrigue and a delicate hint of moist tobacco and spice. On the palate, silky, caressing, medium-bodied with a remarkably fresh acidity and finely polished tannins. No heaviness, no extraction — pure, clear fruit carried by finesse. The finish is long, aromatic and mineral. A wine that unfolds hour by hour in the glass. At least one hour of decanting is strongly recommended.

Serving temperature: 16–17°C · Drinking window: now through 2026, at its peak

Perfect For

A relaxed but elegant dinner. Its silky, fruit-forward profile pairs beautifully with a wood-fire entrecôte, a lamb tagine with herbs, duck breast with cherries, or a creamy aged goat's cheese such as Banon.

The Critics Agree...

The Domaine des Tours Vaucluse Rouge 2016 earned 91 points from the Wine-Searcher critics average — remarkable for a simple country wine. James Suckling has raved about similar vintages of the same wine, describing the quality as "silky and caressing, with cherry, pomegranate and wild herbs — vivid and pristine, with a purity that explodes on the finish." Connoisseurs consistently name it one of the best value wines in the entire Rhône Valley — the entry ticket into the world of Rayas.

  • What is it? France's most fascinating country wine — an IGP Vaucluse from the hand of the creator of Château Rayas, which drinks like a great Burgundy.
  • From? IGP Vaucluse, Southern Rhône, France.
  • Grapes? Grenache, Merlot, Counoise, Cinsault, Syrah — old vines, organically farmed.
  • Tastes Like? Sour cherry, pomegranate, violet, sandalwood, garrigue and moist tobacco.
  • Critics score? 91/100 Wine-Searcher critics average.
]]> Vin de Pays de Vaucluse Rouge 2016, Domaine des Tours

Domaine des Tours: The Wine Without a Title — and Without an Ego

In the world of wine, names matter. Appellations. Classified Growths. Premier Crus. Grand Crus. The hierarchy is clear, the rules are written, the prices follow obediently.

And then Emmanuel Reynaud makes a Vin de Pays de Vaucluse — a country wine, the most modest category in the French system — that not merely ignores this hierarchy, but sidesteps it with a quiet laugh.

Why Domaine des Tours Has No Appellation — and Doesn’t Need One

Domaine des Tours is a separate project within Château des Tours. Same 40 hectares in Sarrians, same old vines, same organic methods, same winemaker. The difference lies in the blend: the Domaine des Tours Rouge includes Merlot — a grape variety permitted by no Rhône appellation. The wine therefore falls automatically into the Vin de Pays category. No appellation. No prestige label. No problem.

Reynaud could have dropped the Merlot. He could have produced a tidy Vacqueyras or Côtes du Rhône. He did not, because he believes that this blend — with Merlot as the structural backbone, embedded in the aromatic complexity of Grenache, Counoise and Cinsault — produces the most interesting wine. Full stop.

The Method: Whole Cluster, Concrete, Time

The wines of Château des Tours and Domaine des Tours undergo whole-cluster fermentation with native yeasts in underground concrete tanks, followed by ageing in a combination of old oak barrels and tanks. No fining. No filtration. What the grape gives arrives in the glass.

The Merlot — that foreign body in the Rhône Valley — is aged for twelve months in barriques with 30% new oak. Not to add wood flavours, but to integrate structure and maturity. When it works, the result is something no other producer in the region achieves: a wine of Burgundian finesse born under Provençal sun.

The Paradox: A “Small” Wine of Unexpected Greatness

In many vintages, connoisseurs tasting Domaine des Tours blind enthuse about a great Pinot Noir from the Côte de Nuits. Or about a Pomerol. Nobody — truly nobody — guesses a country wine from the Vaucluse.

That is the quiet genius of Emmanuel Reynaud. He needs no label, no appellation, no points to show what he is capable of. The wine speaks for itself — quietly, clearly, undeniably.

]]> https://lerouxvins.com/en/product/vin-de-pays-de-vaucluse-rouge-2016-domaine-des-tours-3/feed/ 0 2819 La Pialade Côtes du Rhône 2007, Château Rayas https://lerouxvins.com/en/product/la-pialade-cotes-du-rhone-2007-chateau-rayas-3/ https://lerouxvins.com/en/product/la-pialade-cotes-du-rhone-2007-chateau-rayas-3/#respond Fri, 19 Dec 2025 18:10:39 +0000 https://lerouxvins.com/?post_type=product&p=2315 La Pialade Côtes du Rhône 2007, Château Rayas - This is the rarest and most elusive wine in the Château Rayas universe. "La Pialade" is technically the entry-level wine of the estate, often made from the lighter vats of Fonsalette and Rayas, but it has a cult following that rivals the Grand Vin. From the legendary, powerful 2007 vintage, this wine is now fully mature and offers a haunting, delicate experience that is completely unique in the world of wine.

What's it Like?

Do not be fooled by the color. It pours a very pale, translucent garnet, looking almost like a Rosé or a delicate Pinot Noir. But the nose is endless. It offers a mesmerizing perfume of dried roses, potpourri, blood orange zest, and sweet Kirsch, dusted with white pepper. On the palate, it is light-bodied, airy, and incredibly silky. It doesn't rely on tannin or weight; instead, it is an infusion of flavor that dances across the palate with grace and finesse.

Perfect For

The true connoisseur who values elegance over power. It is the perfect wine to confuse a Burgundy lover in a blind tasting. Enjoy it on its own to appreciate its subtle complexity, or with delicate dishes like veal carpaccio or a simple roast chicken with herbs.

The Pros Agree...

Critics often describe La Pialade as the most "Burgundian" of the Reynaud wines. For a vintage like 2007, which was typically hot and heavy, this wine is celebrated for its "defiant freshness" and "ethereal texture." It is often called "liquid silk" and praised for its intoxicating aromatic complexity.

  • What is it? The cult, "insider" Côtes du Rhône from the Rayas team.

  • From? Fonsalette/Rayas Estate (Rhône Valley), France.

  • Grapes? Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah (Blend varies).

  • Tastes Like? Dried roses, blood orange, wild strawberry, and white pepper.

]]> La Pialade Côtes du Rhône 2007, Château Rayas

Château Rayas is arguably the most mythical, mysterious, and revered estate in the entire Rhône Valley. To visit Rayas is to step back in time. There is no grand château, no sign on the road, and no modern tasting room. Instead, you find a humble, dusty farmhouse hidden deep within a maze of pine forests, dirt tracks, and silence.

The secret to Rayas lies in its terroir, which is totally unique for Châteauneuf-du-Pape. While most of the region is famous for its “galets roulés” (the large, heat-retaining stones), Rayas is situated on cool, sandy soils. These sandy soils, combined with the cooling influence of the surrounding forest and the north-facing vineyards, allow the Grenache grape to ripen slowly and retain an incredible freshness.

This is the domain of the Reynaud family—formerly the legendary Jacques, and now his nephew, Emmanuel Reynaud. They are the undisputed masters of Grenache. In a region known for powerful, blended wines, Rayas stands apart as a 100% Grenache wine of haunting delicacy.

The winemaking is resolutely old-school. The cellar is dark, damp, and filled with cobwebs, which the family believes protect the wine from insects. The wines are fermented in concrete and aged in ancient, neutral oak foudres. There is no new oak, no technology, just patience. The result is a wine that feels less like a Châteauneuf-du-Pape and more like a Musigny from Burgundy—ethereal, perfumed, and utterly timeless.

]]> https://lerouxvins.com/en/product/la-pialade-cotes-du-rhone-2007-chateau-rayas-3/feed/ 0 2315 Vin de Pays de Vaucluse 2017, Domaine des Tours https://lerouxvins.com/en/product/vin-de-pays-de-vaucluse-2017-domaine-des-tours-3/ https://lerouxvins.com/en/product/vin-de-pays-de-vaucluse-2017-domaine-des-tours-3/#respond Tue, 16 Dec 2025 17:13:44 +0000 https://lerouxvins.com/?post_type=product&p=2256 Vin de Pays de Vaucluse 2017, Domaine des Tours: The Gateway to Greatness - This is the most accessible way to experience the magic of the Reynaud family (famous for Château Rayas) without spending a fortune. While it carries the humble "Vin de Pays" label, this wine is a giant in disguise. The 2017 vintage, hailing from a warm and sunny year, is a generous and explosive expression of the unique style that makes Emmanuel Reynaud one of the world's most worshipped winemakers.

What's it Like?

This is pure, unadulterated pleasure. Because 2017 was a warm vintage, the fruit is ripe and luscious. Imagine an intoxicating nose of strawberry jam, kirsch liqueur, and the signature Reynaud note of blood orange zest and dried rose petals. On the palate, it is round, fleshy, and incredibly smooth. Despite the ripeness, it retains a magical freshness and a spicy, peppery kick that keeps you coming back for more. It is singular, aromatic, and totally unique.

Perfect For

Casual but elevated dining. It shines with a charcuterie board, a simple steak frites, spicy sausages, or a slow-cooked beef stew. It’s also one of the few reds that is delicious just to drink on its own.

The Reynaud Magic...

Why is a simple "Country Wine" so sought after? Because it is made with the same philosophy as the legendary Château Rayas. Emmanuel Reynaud harvests very late to get maximum ripeness, ferments in whole clusters, and ages the wine in old oak tanks. This process imparts a distinct "family resemblance"—a mix of exotic spice, fine texture, and aromatic fireworks—that is unmistakable.

  • What is it? The entry-level cult wine from the master of Grenache.

  • From? Sarrians (Rhône Valley), France.

  • Grapes? Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah, Merlot, Counoise.

  • Tastes Like? Strawberry jam, kirsch, blood orange, and potpourri.

]]> Vin de Pays de Vaucluse 2017, Domaine des Tours

Tucked into the sun-drenched hills of Sarrians in the southern Rhône, Château des Tours is more than just another estate bearing a noble name. It is the personal residence and vineyard of Emmanuel Reynaud, the discreet genius behind some of France’s most sought-after wines, including Château Rayas and Château de Fonsalette. While Rayas is cloaked in myth and Fonsalette shrouded in quiet admiration, Château des Tours stands as the most accessible window into Reynaud’s world—a domain where tradition reigns, and nature speaks freely through the vines.

The estate is located in the heart of Vacqueyras, within the Vaucluse, and encompasses around 40 hectares of vineyards, surrounded by olive trees and wild Mediterranean flora. Though the wines carry the names Vacqueyras, Côtes-du-Rhône, and Vin de Pays, their depth, complexity, and longevity routinely surpass expectations for these appellations.

A Philosophy Rooted in Respect

Emmanuel Reynaud does not chase trends, ratings, or modernity. His approach to viticulture and winemaking is one of minimal interference and deep trust in nature. At Château des Tours, there are no chemicals, no herbicides, and no synthetic treatments. The vineyards are cultivated manually, the old vines are cherished, and the yields are deliberately low—favoring concentration and authenticity over volume.

In the cellar, patience is the greatest virtue. Reynaud ferments with whole clusters, uses only indigenous yeasts, and eschews new oak, stainless steel, and mechanical pumps. Aging is done in old foudres and barrels, many of them decades old, which allows the wines to evolve gently without overt influence. No fining or filtration occurs before bottling. The goal is clear: to bottle the truth of the vintage and terroir without artifice.

The Wines of Château des Tours

Despite the relatively humble appellations, the wines of Château des Tours are anything but ordinary.

  • Château des Tours Vacqueyras Rouge is a blend of predominantly Grenache with some Syrah, offering a graceful expression of the appellation: ripe red berries, dried herbs, crushed flowers, and a gossamer texture that seems more Burgundian than Rhône in character. It is a wine that surprises, delights, and rewards patience in the cellar.

  • The Côtes-du-Rhône (red and white) are made largely from estate-grown fruit, showcasing the same finesse as the Vacqueyras. The red is supple, perfumed, and full of charm, while the Côtes-du-Rhône Blanc—typically a blend of Grenache Blanc, Clairette, and Marsanne—is waxy, floral, and layered, capable of aging with grace.

  • Perhaps the most unusual of the lineup is the Vin de Pays de Vaucluse, often bottled without appellation to allow Reynaud full freedom in blending and labeling. These wines are coveted for their purity, silkiness, and almost ephemeral texture.

A Cult Following for a Reason

Château des Tours enjoys an almost cult-like following among sommeliers, collectors, and lovers of natural and soulful wines. While the estate’s wines are modestly priced compared to those of Rayas, they carry the same DNA—a light touch, an unwavering authenticity, and a remarkable ability to age.

The wines are released only when Reynaud deems them ready, which often means several years after harvest. This deliberate pace, combined with small production and global demand, makes them increasingly rare finds on the market.

More Than a Wine – A Way of Being

To open a bottle from Château des Tours is to glimpse into the mind of Emmanuel Reynaud—a winemaker who sees his craft not as production, but as a quiet dialogue with the land. These wines are not loud, oaky, or polished; they are intimate, reflective, and uncommonly sincere.

In a world of fast consumption and over-marketed labels, Château des Tours is a rare voice of restraint, elegance, and enduring beauty.

]]> https://lerouxvins.com/en/product/vin-de-pays-de-vaucluse-2017-domaine-des-tours-3/feed/ 0 2256 Côtes du Rhône 2013, Château de Fonsalette, Emmanuel Reynaud https://lerouxvins.com/en/product/cotes-du-rhone-2013-chateau-de-fonsalette-emmanuel-reynaud-2/ https://lerouxvins.com/en/product/cotes-du-rhone-2013-chateau-de-fonsalette-emmanuel-reynaud-2/#respond Tue, 16 Dec 2025 08:16:54 +0000 https://lerouxvins.com/?post_type=product&p=2249 Côtes du Rhône 2013, Château de Fonsalette: The Uncrowned Prince - If Château Rayas is the King, Château de Fonsalette is the Prince in disguise. Made by the same legendary winemaker, Emmanuel Reynaud, in the same cellar, and with the same meticulous care, this is a "humble" Côtes du Rhône that rivals the world's finest Châteauneuf-du-Pape. The 2013 vintage, known for its coolness, played perfectly into Reynaud's hands, producing a wine of haunting elegance and spicy complexity.

What's it Like?

This is a wine of structure and savory depth. Unlike the fruit-forward nature of many Rhônes, the 2013 Fonsalette is brooding and complex. The nose is a mesmerizing mix of wild strawberries, kirsch, and black olive tapenade, lifted by Reynaud’s signature notes of blood orange zest, dried flowers, and white pepper. On the palate, it is fresh and vibrant, with a distinct salinity and fine-grained tannins. It feels more like a Grand Cru Burgundy than a Southern Rhône, finishing with a long, spicy echo.

Perfect For

A blind tasting to stump your most knowledgeable wine friends (they will likely guess it's a top-tier Châteauneuf-du-Pape or a Burgundy), pairing with game birds like squab or pheasant, or serving with a wild mushroom risotto.

The Rayas Connection...

Fonsalette is not a "second wine" of Rayas, but a separate estate located just north of Orange. However, the grapes are brought to the Rayas cellars and vinified with the exact same magic: whole-cluster fermentation, natural yeasts, and aging in ancient, neutral oak foudres. The key difference is the blend; Fonsalette typically includes a significant portion of Syrah (along with Grenache and Cinsault), which gives it a meatier, more savory backbone compared to the pure Grenache of Rayas. In a fresh vintage like 2013, this creates a wine of incredible tension and class.

  • What is it? A legendary, cult-status red wine that transcends its appellation.

  • From? North of Orange (Rhône Valley), France.

  • Grapes? Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah.

  • Tastes Like? Wild strawberry, black olive, blood orange, and white pepper.

]]> Côtes du Rhône 2013, Château de Fonsalette, Emmanuel Reynaud

Château de Fonsalette is one of the Rhône Valley’s best-kept secrets, a name whispered with reverence among those who know the wines of Emmanuel Reynaud—proprietor of the legendary Château Rayas. Situated just a few kilometers from the famed Rayas estate, Fonsalette may technically bear the more modest Côtes-du-Rhône appellation, but in the hands of Reynaud, it produces wines of startling beauty, grace, and longevity that often defy classification.

Acquired by Emmanuel’s grandfather, Louis Reynaud, in the mid-20th century, Fonsalette is a 120-hectare property nestled among forests, olive groves, and old-vine parcels of Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault, Clairette, and Grenache Blanc. The vineyards are cultivated with minimal intervention—no herbicides, no chemical treatments, and with painstaking care for the old vines and the complex soils of sand and clay.

Fonsalette is not part of the Louis Roederer group; instead, it stands as a sibling estate to Château Rayas and Pignan, united under Emmanuel Reynaud’s deeply personal, almost mystical approach to winemaking. The vinification at Fonsalette mirrors that of Rayas: whole-cluster fermentation, aging in ancient demi-muids, and an aversion to manipulation. The result is wines that are intensely expressive, delicate yet profound, and utterly singular.

The red Côtes-du-Rhône from Fonsalette, composed largely of old-vine Grenache and Syrah, is velvety, aromatic, and laced with spice, garrigue, and floral notes. It is one of the few Côtes-du-Rhône wines with the structure to age gracefully for decades. The rare white—comprising Grenache Blanc, Clairette, and Marsanne—is hauntingly complex, with nutty, honeyed character, and the capacity to surprise even seasoned palates after years in bottle.

Due to the tiny production and cult following, Fonsalette wines are highly sought after, often allocated and rarely found on the open market. They reflect not just a place, but a philosophy—a commitment to purity, patience, and authenticity.

In the world of Rhône wine, Château de Fonsalette may wear a humble appellation, but its soul, shaped by one of France’s most enigmatic winemakers, is undeniably grand.

]]> https://lerouxvins.com/en/product/cotes-du-rhone-2013-chateau-de-fonsalette-emmanuel-reynaud-2/feed/ 0 2249 Côtes du Rhône Réserve 2010, Château des Tours, Emmanuel Reynaud https://lerouxvins.com/en/product/cotes-du-rhone-reserve-2010-chateau-des-tours-emmanuel-reynaud-3/ https://lerouxvins.com/en/product/cotes-du-rhone-reserve-2010-chateau-des-tours-emmanuel-reynaud-3/#respond Mon, 15 Dec 2025 19:28:14 +0000 https://lerouxvins.com/?post_type=product&p=2242 Côtes du Rhône Réserve 2010, Château des Tours: The Insider's Secret - This is one of the most sought-after "secrets" in the entire world of wine. Crafted by Emmanuel Reynaud—the genius behind the legendary Château Rayas—this humble Côtes du Rhône often embarrasses wines that cost ten times as much. From the exceptional 2010 vintage, this is a masterpiece of finesse and aromatic complexity that offers a glimpse into the magic of Rayas at a fraction of the price.

What's it Like?

This is a wine that defies its appellation. It pours a deceptively pale ruby color, but the nose is explosive and kaleidoscopic. Expect a mesmerizing perfume of kirsch liqueur, crushed strawberries, and dried rose petals, all lifted by a signature note of blood orange zest and white pepper. On the palate, it is medium-bodied, silky, and ethereal, yet possessed of an intense, vibrating energy. It is not about weight, but about a seamless, spicy, and endlessly complex flow of flavor that lingers for minutes.

Perfect For

A contemplative evening with true wine lovers who understand that color does not equal power, pairing with Provencal lamb, duck breast with cherries, or simply drinking on its own to appreciate the artistry of the Reynaud family.

The "Baby Rayas" Phenomenon...

Critics and sommeliers openly refer to this wine as "Baby Rayas." Because Emmanuel Reynaud uses the same philosophy here as he does at his flagship Châteauneuf-du-Pape estate—very late harvesting, whole-cluster fermentation, and aging in old oak vats—the wine shares that distinct, Burgundian-like elegance and exotic spice profile. The 2010 vintage, with its perfect balance of ripeness and fresh acidity, is widely considered one of the greatest modern examples of this cult classic.

  • What is it? A cult-status, elegant, and complex red wine from a legendary winemaker.

  • From? Sarrians (Rhône Valley), France.

  • Grapes? Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah.

  • Tastes Like? Kirsch, blood orange, white pepper, dried roses, and strawberry jam.

]]> Côtes du Rhône Réserve 2010, Château des Tours, Emmanuel Reynaud

Tucked into the sun-drenched hills of Sarrians in the southern Rhône, Château des Tours is more than just another estate bearing a noble name. It is the personal residence and vineyard of Emmanuel Reynaud, the discreet genius behind some of France’s most sought-after wines, including Château Rayas and Château de Fonsalette. While Rayas is cloaked in myth and Fonsalette shrouded in quiet admiration, Château des Tours stands as the most accessible window into Reynaud’s world—a domain where tradition reigns, and nature speaks freely through the vines.

The estate is located in the heart of Vacqueyras, within the Vaucluse, and encompasses around 40 hectares of vineyards, surrounded by olive trees and wild Mediterranean flora. Though the wines carry the names Vacqueyras, Côtes-du-Rhône, and Vin de Pays, their depth, complexity, and longevity routinely surpass expectations for these appellations.

A Philosophy Rooted in Respect

Emmanuel Reynaud does not chase trends, ratings, or modernity. His approach to viticulture and winemaking is one of minimal interference and deep trust in nature. At Château des Tours, there are no chemicals, no herbicides, and no synthetic treatments. The vineyards are cultivated manually, the old vines are cherished, and the yields are deliberately low—favoring concentration and authenticity over volume.

In the cellar, patience is the greatest virtue. Reynaud ferments with whole clusters, uses only indigenous yeasts, and eschews new oak, stainless steel, and mechanical pumps. Aging is done in old foudres and barrels, many of them decades old, which allows the wines to evolve gently without overt influence. No fining or filtration occurs before bottling. The goal is clear: to bottle the truth of the vintage and terroir without artifice.

The Wines of Château des Tours

Despite the relatively humble appellations, the wines of Château des Tours are anything but ordinary.

  • Château des Tours Vacqueyras Rouge is a blend of predominantly Grenache with some Syrah, offering a graceful expression of the appellation: ripe red berries, dried herbs, crushed flowers, and a gossamer texture that seems more Burgundian than Rhône in character. It is a wine that surprises, delights, and rewards patience in the cellar.

  • The Côtes-du-Rhône (red and white) are made largely from estate-grown fruit, showcasing the same finesse as the Vacqueyras. The red is supple, perfumed, and full of charm, while the Côtes-du-Rhône Blanc—typically a blend of Grenache Blanc, Clairette, and Marsanne—is waxy, floral, and layered, capable of aging with grace.

  • Perhaps the most unusual of the lineup is the Vin de Pays de Vaucluse, often bottled without appellation to allow Reynaud full freedom in blending and labeling. These wines are coveted for their purity, silkiness, and almost ephemeral texture.

A Cult Following for a Reason

Château des Tours enjoys an almost cult-like following among sommeliers, collectors, and lovers of natural and soulful wines. While the estate’s wines are modestly priced compared to those of Rayas, they carry the same DNA—a light touch, an unwavering authenticity, and a remarkable ability to age.

The wines are released only when Reynaud deems them ready, which often means several years after harvest. This deliberate pace, combined with small production and global demand, makes them increasingly rare finds on the market.

More Than a Wine – A Way of Being

To open a bottle from Château des Tours is to glimpse into the mind of Emmanuel Reynaud—a winemaker who sees his craft not as production, but as a quiet dialogue with the land. These wines are not loud, oaky, or polished; they are intimate, reflective, and uncommonly sincere.

In a world of fast consumption and over-marketed labels, Château des Tours is a rare voice of restraint, elegance, and enduring beauty.

]]> https://lerouxvins.com/en/product/cotes-du-rhone-reserve-2010-chateau-des-tours-emmanuel-reynaud-3/feed/ 0 2242