Domaine Alary, Côtes du Rhône Blanc, La Gerbaude, Southern Rhône, France, 2023

Producer Profile

Denis Alary’s wines are benchmark Southern Rhônes: full of sun and a joy to drink.

Spicy, rich and peppery with warm juicy fruit, his wines are always extremely appealing and a great representation of this region. While Grenache makes up the majority of the vines planted on his 29 hectares of vineyards, he has an old plot of Syrah and uses it judiciously in the cuvée ‘L’Estévenas’. Despite increasing fame and demand, these wines remain great value. Wine passionate, Jean-Etienne, Denis’s son, has naturally integrated at the estate since 2016, after a journey in Australia and in New-Zealand. Together, they ensure the management, marketing, including sales directly from the cellar, vinification and viticulture. Driven by Jean-Etienne, they are all now moving towards biodynamics.

Viticulture

A blend of Clairette, Roussanne, Viognier, and Bourboulenc, grown in Côtes du Rhône on clay-limestone soils with characteristic garrigue and large pebbles. Planted on south-facing slopes, the estate’s mature, organically farmed vines are hand-harvested to ensure optimal ripeness while preserving freshness. The family began converting to organic farming in 2009 and is moving toward biodynamic practices under the stewardship of Denis and Jean-Étienne Alary.

Winemaking

Grapes are gently whole-cluster pressed after a short maceration on the skins to preserve aromatic purity while avoiding excessive extraction. Each varietal is fermented separately, then blended after fermentation. The wine is matured without overt oak influence, showcasing natural varietal character, texture, and terroir expression.

Tasting Note

A fragrant, balanced white Rhône wine that shows a delicate pale gold hue. On the nose, expect floral and spicy aromas—acacia, white blossoms, a touch of anise—alongside yellow fruit such as pear, citrus, and white peach. The palate is soft and rounded with a silky texture, yet built around crisp, refreshing acidity, striking a lovely balance. Subtle minerality lends an elegant, long finish

Food Matching

La Gerbaude is best with seafood and lighter fare—think grilled fish, scallops, pan-fried snails in butter, and mild shellfish risottos.