The addition of Domaine Gallety to the portfolio is also the result of us tasting their wines at the table of a local hostelry, further endorsed by the discovery that their US importer is Kermit Lynch. Located somewhere between Montlimar and Bollene, the Vivarais is probably the least known region of the Rhône due, perhaps, to its more obscure and isolated position.

The white is a blend of 50% Grenache Blanc, 30% Marsanne and 20% Roussanne. Fermented in stainless steel with no malolactic fermentation, the resulting wine is clean, taut, mineral and precise. The corresponding Cuvée Spéciale red is a 50/50 blend of Grenache and Syrah with a vine age of between 25 and 50 years. The wine is fermented in tank, then spends 12 months ageing in old barriques and foudre. With just 13% alcohol, it’s much fresher than the more elevated examples currently coming out of the region. In contrast, the Haut-Vigne is the same varietal blend, but raised only in tank. Whilst the ‘grand vin’ may need some time to develop, this is juicy and elegant and much more precocious.

www.gallety.fr

Haute-Vigne Rouge 2018	pack shot	fiche
Cuvee Speciale Blanc 2018	pack shot	fiche
Cuvee Speciale Rouge 2017	pack shot	fiche