Châteauneuf-du-Pape loses iconic winegrower Emmanuel Reynaud

rominent Châteauneuf-du-Pape winegrower Emmanuel Reynaud – whose distinctive cap will be remembered by many – passed away on November 25 at the age of 61. At the helm of Châteaux Rayas (10 ha in AOC Châteauneuf-du-Pape) des Tours (40 ha in AOC Vacqueyras) and Fonsalette (10 ha in Côtes du Rhône), his passing leaves a sudden void in the Rhone Valley. He “was proud to start harvesting last”, recalls the AOC Châteauneuf-du-Pape producers’ organisation in a press statement, stressing that he “rapidly made his mark with his distinctive style at the different properties, without ever disavowing the heritage of his forbears”.

These include his uncle Jacques Reynaud, the iconic figure at Château Rayas who passed away suddenly in 1997, leaving no heir. “His personality and wines became sacred for Robert Parker, the celebrated American critic and founder of the Wine Advocate”, adds the organisation. It goes on to note that “although Emmanuel Reynaud did not succumb to the pressure of the media, he happily welcomed passionate enthusiasts and would spend countless hours sharing their impressions and their emotions with them. However, the rule was never to arrive without an appointment, or even wearing perfume – in which case he would politely turn people away, as his uncle Jacques had done before him”.

Even though Robert Parker’s glowing reports strengthened the reputation and ratings of Château Rayas and the other family-owned properties, “Emmanuel Reynaud always kept a cool head and never succumbed to the temptation of inflating prices. He continued tirelessly and with great wisdom to serve his allocation holders and loyal customers, leaving little hope for new enthusiasts to one day be able to buy even a few bottles of Rayas, Pignan or Château des Tours”, notes the organisation.