Domaine Ray Jane
A pair of dusty working boots were tucked in an alcove by the front door of this winery, whose name is carved into the front stone wall of the impressive chapel-like cave and is not to be confused with the Ray Jay who nudged Kim Kardashian’s career into the fast lane– be careful when putting this vineyard into Google!
The indications of hardwork at this winery established almost 50 years ago (although a third of the vines are double that age) were also evident from the signs for organic vegetables for sale from the domaine. We took our degustation inside the busy cave à vin alongside baskets overflowing with home-grown courgettes and tomatoes. The rosé was poured fairly generously by the gnarled hands of the man-of-the-soil proprietor behind the bar, Alain, while his wife, Anne, bustled around noisily with other customers.
All of the wines at Domaine Ray-Jay are certified as organic. The first we tried was the Rosé Cuvée de la Ville de Sanary 2017. With 30 – 40% mourvèdre with grenache and cinsault the pour was a delight! A soft blush with a light and airy feel - perfect for an apéro. The second rose was the heavier 2017 with more Granache at €13 a bottle and far more body – a dinner wine that had a hint of elderflower to it’s bouquet and flavour. Not quite as exciting.
Tried, tasted and purchased the Rosé Cuvée de la Ville de Sanary 2017 which sells for €12.50 a bottle. Returned the following day to exchange a corked bottle and in return (after Alain's careful verification) got an uncorked one (hopefully) plus a smile,a désolé and ‘it happens’ shrug.
Destination, drop-in or drive-by? Drop in - seems everyone in the area goes there and you will doubtless pass it on your route. Good value and friendly.