From: Rhone Valley, IGP Principality of Orange, France
Varietals: Roussanne

Tasting Notes: This beautiful, youthful Roussanne by Domaine Alary is of incredible value, and we love its aromas of chamomile, lime blossom, beeswax, pear, peach, and nectarine. Chalky minerals and a subtle touch of spice underscore these aromas. Fresh flavors of pear and nectarines take the lead on the palate, followed by herbs, freshly picked Northern Rhône apricots, and almonds that lead to a lingering chamomile finish.

Pairing: Seafood, poultry, vegetables, and mild curries make for excellent pairings with a wine like this. Some examples of seafood pairings include serving this alongside shellfish, cod, lobster, crab, and bouillabaisse. Regarding poultry, this is a fantastic fit with roast chicken (we share a delicious and versatile recipe by Melissa Clark below) or baked chicken in cream sauce and roasted turkey. Richly textured root vegetables, tubers, and winter squashes such as yams, mashed potatoes, roasted turnips, and rutabagas are great veggie pairing ideas.

Green Goddess Roasted Chicken
By Melissa Clark

About. Domaine Alary, deeply rooted in Cairanne since 1692, has been a family-run estate for over 10 generations. The Alary family initially practiced mixed farming, but over the centuries, the vine became central to the region’s identity, surviving challenges like phylloxera. By the 20th century, Cairanne had established itself as a key player in Rhône Valley viticulture, renowned for producing elegant red and white wines that reflect the area's diverse terroir.

In 1981, Denis Alary, after completing oenology studies in Montpellier, joined the estate alongside his father, Daniel. As the 10th generation to manage the domaine, Denis embraced organic viticulture early on, achieving organic certification in 2009. Denis’s son, Jean-Etienne, joined the estate in 2016 after gaining international experience in Australia and New Zealand. Together, Denis and Jean-Etienne work to continually enhance the estate's wine quality, balancing tradition with innovation, while remaining hands-on in the vineyard and cellar.

Denis, a long-time leader in Cairanne’s wine community, has dedicated decades to improving the region’s wine reputation. Although he stepped down from his 30-year leadership role in the Syndicat des Vignerons de Cairanne, Denis remains deeply involved in the domaine and is known for his tireless work ethic. His passion for maintaining and elevating the family estate is evident in his daily life, with vineyard work serving as both his profession and his refuge.

Jean-Etienne, the current winemaker, has brought fresh ideas and a modern perspective while honoring the estate’s traditions. His international experience has informed his approach, and he emphasizes the importance of high-quality fruit and minimal intervention in the cellar. As he introduces his style, Jean-Etienne continues the legacy of crafting wines with finesse, ensuring a bright future for Domaine Alary.