- Currently run by Louis Damien and Benoît Reynaud, Château de Fonsalette was founded by the legendary Louis Reynaud in 1945.
- Just outside the Châteauneuf-de-Pape appellation, these first-class Côtes-du-Rhônes are treated with the same care and respect as their neighbors.
- Limited to just three wines, a blanc, a rouge and a 100% Syrah, these are some of the best and most in-demand wines in Côtes-du-Rhône, defying what can sometimes be seen as a humble appellation status.
- Biodiversity is cherished at this 120-hectare estate, of which only 12 hectares are planted to vine. The rest of the land holds olive trees, woodlands, and other types of agriculture.
- The Reynaud family’s wines, whether they are from Fonsalette, Rayas, or des Tours, all hold the same signature complexity, depth, and meaningful nature. Château de Fonsalette defies its appellation.
The spirit of Jacques Reynaud, the godfather of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, is always present at the storied estate of Château Rayas. This legendary winemaker inherited the estate from Albert Reynaud in 1978 and made the wines of Rayas known to the world, including the young import company founded a year later by Martine Saunier. Upon Jacques’ passing in 1997, his wife asked their nephew, Emmanuel Reynaud, to take the reins at both Château Rayas and Château de Fonsalette. Already making wines at his father's Château des Tours, Emmanuel agreed.
Somewhat reclusive and to be found working his vineyards at most any time of day, every day, Emmanuel did not revel in the fame and notoriety that came with making such sought-after and acclaimed wines. Instead, he quietly but successfully carried the mantle of his famous forebears, producing hauntingly aromatic wines at his three estates: Château Rayas, Château des Tours, and Château de Fonsalette.
Just outside Châteauneuf-du-Pape, near the village of Lagarde-Paréol in the Côtes-du-Rhône appellation, Château de Fonsalette was purchased by Emmanuel's grandfather, Louis Reynaud, in 1945. It comprises 300 acres, 30 of which are planted with Grenache, Cinsault and Syrah for reds, and Grenache Blanc, Clairette and Marsanne for whites. The estate also produces wonderful olive oil.
Quite simply, the three wines of Fonsalette — a blanc, a rouge and a 100% Syrah, which is rare for the region — defy their appellation: They are among the best and most in-demand wines from Côtes-du-Rhône.
There is a clear through line in all the wines that were produced by Emmanuel, a signature that is now carried on by his sons, Louis Damien and Benoît. The uniquely weighty, aromatic, complex, and savory character of the wines places them among the most well-regarded, sought-after bottles of the appellation.
