Château Rayas is a leading producer in the Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation of the Rhône Valley. It is one of the region's most prestigious estates, and its wines fetch some of the highest prices in southern France.
Much about Rayas is unusual. Firstly, the estate's red wine is made solely from Grenache, unlike most Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines that typically contain Syrah, Mourvèdre and a range of other varieties. Secondly, the 13 hectares (32 acres) of vineyards face north, and do not have any galets roulés, the rounded stones so closely associated with the appellation. Thirdly, the estate's wines are matured in rare double-piéce 450-liter barrels.
