In Memory of Emmanuel Reynaud

A tribute to the discreet Artisan behind a Châteauneuf-du-Pape Legend

The wine world mourns the loss of Emmanuel Reynaud, the emblematic owner of Château Rayas and one of the most discreet yet influential figures of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. His passing on 25 November 2025 leaves behind an exceptional legacy and one of the most singular signatures in French wine.

Born in 1963, he first trained within the family estates before leading Château des Tours in Sarrians. In 1997, following the sudden death of his uncle Jacques, he assumed responsibility for Château Rayas and the other family domaines, continuing with loyalty and precision the lineage established by his grandfather Louis. From the outset, he restored the cellars and vineyard with patience, reaffirming the central role of old-vine grenache on sandy soils and the importance of long ageing in the identity of the estate. His style emerged quietly but decisively: late harvesting, meticulous respect for old vines, extended élevage, and a refusal of technical artifice. He favoured finesse over power, depth over exuberance. The wines he crafted from Rayas, Fonsalette, Pignan and Château des Tours have become benchmarks, admired for their purity, timeless freshness and almost weightless texture.
Despite the global reputation of his cuvées, Emmanuel Reynaud remained a reserved figure, welcoming passionate visitors with sincerity while preserving the intimacy of the estate. He maintained an uncommon balance between worldwide prestige and rural humility, remaining faithful to his long-standing clients and resisting the lure of speculation.

His passing marks the end of an era, that of an independent winegrower devoted to time, land and lineage. In the sandy clearings of Rayas, beneath the pines, and in every bottle shaped under his guidance, lives the imprint of a man who profoundly shaped the history of French wine.