2014 Château de Fonsalette Côtes du Rhône Rouge, Rhône Valley, France

ABOUT THIS WINE

That approach is important stylistically: the intention isn't to create a heavily extracted or oak-driven Southern Rhône red, but to preserve the identity of the fruit and vineyard.

The wine is aged for three months in enamel vats, then aged for 12 months in old liter casks - 450 and liter casks for Grenache and Syrah, and large barrels for Cinsault. The estate is not certified organic, but is practicing organic. 

ABOUT THIS PRODUCER

Château de Fonsalette is a sister estate to Château Rayas, with both properties closely tied to the legendary Reynaud family of the Southern Rhône. The family acquired Fonsalette in 1945, when Louis Reynaud expanded the holdings beyond Rayas and Château des Tours. Located in Lagarde-Paréol, north of Orange, Fonsalette combines vineyards with woodland and olive groves.

After Louis Reynaud’s death in 1978, his son Jacques Reynaud took over Rayas and Fonsalette, establishing the distinctive, terroir-driven style that earned both estates cult status. Following Jacques’s death in 1997, his nephew Emmanuel Reynaud assumed control, continuing the family’s focus on careful farming, finesse, and long élevage.

Although labeled simply Côtes du Rhône, Fonsalette has long been regarded as one of the region’s most distinctive wines. Its vineyards, planted to Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah and traditional white Rhône varieties, sit on a mix of gravel, sand, and reddish stones, with some vines reportedly dating to 1929. Following Emmanuel Reynaud’s death in 2025, his sons Louis-Damien and Benoît Reynaud have carried the family legacy forward.

Its reputation is unusual for a wine carrying the broad Côtes du Rhône appellation. Fonsalette is closely associated with Rayas, one of the Rhône's most celebrated estates, and production is small. The wines are also traditionally held back at the domaine before release rather than being rushed to market.