Domaine Gallety is situated at the northern gateway of the Southern Rhône Valley in France in the appellation Côtes du Vivarais. Located between Cornas and Châteauneuf-du-Pape, the hills of the Côtes run down the western bank of the Rhône River, mirroring those of the Côte-du-Rhône on the opposite bank. Upgraded to the noble AOC status in 1999, the appellation is cooler and wetter than its regional counterpart and blessed with a longer growing season. The region typically produces wines with more savory flavors and lower alcohol, giving a spotlight to Syrah—rather than Grenache, which is more commonly found in the Southern Rhône.

Since 1985, Alain Gallety and his son, David-Alexandre, have monastically worked their forty-year-old vineyards organically. Studying the techniques of their great contemporaries, Domaine Gallety has become known in wine circles for focus, brightness, density, and flawless balance.

Côtes du Vivarais Rouge 2016

The Gallety’s red is a masterpiece, with more than a lot of vibrant layered fruit and soft tannins. Equal parts Syrah and Grenache, aged in nothing but older barrels, and always bottled unfined and unfiltered.

Vineyard: 40 years average, 13.8 ha
Soil: Clay, Limestone
Aging: Wine is aged in neutral oak barrels for about 15 months
Farming: Organic

Alcohol: 13%

Price: $19.99