Rayas Chateauneuf du Pape Pignan 1978

Pignan is a second wine of Rayas. However, because much of Pignan comes from their more northern vines, it can also be looked at as a unique brand. In some years, like 1978, Pignan is an amazing wine that while not at the level of Rayas, it’s still outstanding, and very much in the style of the more expensive Chateau Rayas.

Pignan takes its name from the pine trees that surround the vineyard as Pignan is French for pinetree. Like Rayas, Pignan is produced from 100% Grenache.

In total, close to 20% of the harvest goes into producing Pignan. The majority of the time, Pignan is produced from almost 100% old vine Grenache. The blend also includes grapes from their young vines in the final blend. Pignan is aged for 16 months in demi-muids and foudres before bottling. Only 650 cases are produced of Pignan each year.