2019 Domaine des Tours Vaucluse

Domaine des Tours is a highly regarded estate located in Sarrians, near Vacqueyras in the Southern Rhône Valley of France. The domaine is owned and operated by Emmanuel Reynaud, who is also the proprietor of the legendary Château Rayas in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Domaine des Tours was established in the 1990s and quickly gained a reputation for producing exceptional wines that offer tremendous value. The estate is known for its low-intervention approach to winemaking and for crafting wines that express a unique personality, often departing from regional conventions.

While Domaine des Tours is situated near the famous appellations of Vacqueyras and Gigondas, its wines are primarily labeled under the more humble Vin de Pays de Vaucluse and Côtes du Rhône designations. This region of the Southern Rhône is characterized by its Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and mild winters. The Mistral wind, which blows from the north, plays a Crucial role in keeping the vines healthy by reducing humidity and cooling the vineyards. Unlike its more famous neighbors, Domaine des Tours has the freedom to work outside the strict appellation rules, allowing for more creative expression in both vineyard management and winemaking.

The terroir of Domaine des Tours is distinctive within the Southern Rhône context. Unlike the stony soils found in much of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, the vineyards of Domaine des Tours are characterized by sandy soils with some clay and limestone. This soil composition contributes to the unique character of the wines, often resulting in more delicate and perfumed expressions than is typical for the region. The estate practices organic farming, with a focus on maintaining low yields and achieving optimal ripeness. Emmanuel Reynaud is known for his patient approach, often harvesting later than his neighbors to ensure full phenolic maturity. This combination of unique terroir and meticulous vineyard management results in wines that are known for their elegance, purity of fruit, and ability to age gracefully, setting them apart from many of their Southern Rhône counterparts.