From: Rhone Valley, IGP Principality of Orange, France
Varietals: Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Cinsault, Counoise, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot
Tasting Notes: From clay soils at the foot of the plateau of scrubland in Cairanne, grapes are exclusively harvested by hand at low yields, with sorting in the vineyard and another sort at the entrance to the cellar. The nose is very open, with red fruit, mild spices (white pepper), notes of garrigue, and persistent aromas of bay, tomato leaf, and rosemary. Fresh, exuberant, and a million times more cheerful than one might think from a glance at the multitude of varietals in the blend. Chillable and delicious, this red wine is both easy to drink and savory at the same time with its smooth, polished tannins and vibrant fruit.
Pairing: This everyday wine is versatile and easily suited to various pairings. You could serve this as an aperitif, with charcuterie and cheese boards, picnic fare, barbecue, grilled vegetables, roasted poultry with Mediterranean spices, and even pizza. Some specific ideas include paprika-roasted chicken and potatoes, roast chicken with apricots and olives, cold pork roast with fennel and green bean salad, grilled pork and garlic bread, BBQ chicken, pork, tofu or salmon, tomato and farro salad, and even salade Niçoise (we’re sharing a shortened version below).
French Potato and Green Bean Salad
By David Tanis
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.
