The Butte de Rayne Vigneau is known to geologists for its precious stones (agathes, amethysts, onyx, sapphires, etc.), but also for the exceptional terroir with gravelly and clayey soil of the Château de Rayne Vigneau, located on a superb ridge which dominates the entire area. the appellation. The creation of the estate itself, by the de Vigneau family, dates back to the 17th century. In 1681, Etienne du Vigneau, husband of Jeanne Sauvage (the daughter of the Lord of Yquem) took the reins of the property. Bought in 1834 by Madame de Rayne, the wine reached the rank of premier cru during the classification of Sauternes vintages, which took place in 1855. It was Albert de Pontac, the nephew of Madame de Rayne, who gave the vineyard the name of Rayne Vigneau.
Several owners followed one another, until the takeover of the vineyard by the company CA Grands Crus (Crédit Agricole) in 2004. Under the leadership of Anne Le Naour, Technical Director of CA Grands Crus properties, joined by Vincent Labergère, Manager Technique of the Château de Rayne Vigneau and with the advice of Denis Dubourdieu, a plan to optimize the vineyard is initiated. At the same time, the team is undertaking a certification process in sustainable agriculture. This was obtained in 2007 for the Rayne Vigneau vineyard and for all the properties managed by CA Grands Crus (Les châteaux Grand Puy Ducasse, Meyney, Lamothe Bergeron, Blaignan and Plagnac). This approval implies in particular a reasoned use of fertilizer inputs and phytosanitary treatments. A qualitative approach for this vineyard which covers 80 hectares in one piece. The vines, with an average age of thirty years, benefit from the proximity of the Ciron. This tributary of the Garonne contributes to the formation of morning mists favorable to the development of the famous botrytis cinerea.
The blend has 74% Semillon and 24% Sauvignon, complemented by a hint of Muscadelle (2%). The wines are aged for 24 months in barrels (40% to 50% new wood).