Oratoire Saint Martin

Brothers Frédéric and François Alary are the tenth generation of winemakers to tend Domaine de l'Oratoire Saint Martin in the Côtes-du-Rhône over the last 300 years (the family history goes back to 1692). They succeeded their father in 1984, and cultivate 27HA of some of the best plots in Cairanne.

The Alarys’ vineyards are located on steep hills of two main lieux-dits, les Douyes and St-Martin. The estate takes its name from the small chapel (oratoire) that stands in this last plot. The soil is very rocky, with a high proportion of limestone and two types of clay, yellow on the surface and blue deeper down. Les Douyes’ exposure is east, northeast and well-suited to growing white grapes and Syrah, all early maturing varietals. St-Martin is warmer, facing south, south-west and that’s where Grenache and Mourvèdre grow. Most of the vines are over 40 years old and some are reaching their 100s. Organic & traditional these are a must for the savvy red wine drinker.