Domaine Gallety Côtes du Vivarais Blanc, France 2018

The bright and talented Alain Gallety began making wine in the Côtes du Vivarais alongside his father. Together, they had a vision. They built a state-of-the-art winery constructed right into the hillside below their high-altitude vineyards.  The Côtes du Vivarais was only recently awarded A.O.C. in 1999.  Over a decade later, the region is finally starting to receive the attention it deserves, both as a cooler and wetter climate than its neighbors across the river but with a longer ripening season. The wines here stand as a gateway between the Northern and Southern Rhône, frequently seeing equal blends of the noble grapes, Syrah and Grenache.

Alain takes every aspect of the process seriously. He organically farms his fifteen hectares of vineyards to grow the quality of grapes he wants, as he has done since the early 80s.  This wine bursts with notes of quince, pear, and a touch of almond skin.  It leans medium-bodied but has a burst of fresh acidity.

Pairings: Salad with goat cheese & citrus, roasted chicken with herb potatoes with a lemon sauce, white fish in a butter sauce,
Grapes: 50% Grenache Blanc 30% Marsanne 20% Roussanne
Soil: Clay
Viticulture: Organic (Practicing)