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Domain: Château de Rayne Vigneau

The hillock of Rayne Vigneau is well-known among geologists for its precious stones (agate, amethyst, onyx, sapphire) as well as for the exceptional gravel and clay soil of the Château de Rayne Vigneau, planted on a stunning hilltop overlooking the entire appellation. The estate itself was founded by the Vigneau family in the 17th century. In 1681, Etienne du Vigneau, husband of Jeanne Sauvage (daughter of the Lord of Yquem) took over the property. Purchased by Madame de Rayne in 1834, the wine here was classified as a premier cru in the 1855 Classification of Sauternes crus. It was Albert de Pontac, Madame de Rayne's nephew, who named the vineyard Rayne Vigneau. A number of different owners reigned here until the vineyard was purchased by CA Grands Crus (Crédit Agricole) in 2004. Led by Anne Le Naour, Technical Estate Director for CA Grands Crus, along with Vincent Labergère, Technical Director at the Château de Rayne Vigneau and with advice from Denis Dubourdieu, an improvement plan for the vineyard was drawn up. The team simultaneously began seeking sustainable farming certification. Certification for the Rayne Vigneau vineyard and all properties managed by CA Grands Crus (the Châteaux of Grand Puy Ducasse, Meyney, Lamothe Bergeron, Blaignan and Plagnac) was granted in 2007. This certification is awarded for sustainable use of fertilisers and phytosanitary treatments, in particular: a quality-focused approach for this vineyard of 80 contiguous hectares. The vines have an average age of thirty years and benefit from their proximity to the Ciron. This tributary of the Garonne contributes to the formation of morning mist that encourages the production of noble rot.