Domaine Adrien Berlioz (also known as Cellier des Cray) is a small, highly regarded organic and biodynamic wine estate based in Chignin, Savoie, France.

The domaine works around 5–6 hectares of steep limestone and farms classic Savoie grape varieties including Jacquère, Altesse, Roussanne (Bergeron), Mondeuse, Persan and Pinot Gris.

Adrien produces an array of expressive whites and reds including Vin des Allobroges La Pépie, other Roussanne cuvées (Zeph, Albinum), and Mondeuse and Persan for reds.

Savoie lies in the French Alps, bordering Switzerland and Italy, and is famed for its unique alpine wines and dramatic scenery. Vineyards are fragmented across lakesides, steep hillsides, and river valleys, often between 250 and 500 metres altitude, and benefit from limestone-rich glacial soils and large diurnal temperature swings, which preserve acidity in the grapes. Three-quarters of the region’s wines are white, predominantly from the native Jacquère grape, with Roussanne, Altesse and Chasselas also prominent. Red wines are mainly from Mondeuse, Gamay, and Pinot Noir. The climate is continental with alpine influences, combining cold winters with warm summers. Wines are prized for their purity, freshness and mineral character, pairing perfectly with regional cheeses and mountain cuisine.

Roussanne is a high-quality white grape variety native to France’s Rhône Valley, where it is a key component of both northern and southern Rhône white blends. It is most famously found in appellations such as Hermitage, Crozes-Hermitage, Saint-Joseph, and Châteauneuf-du-Pape, often blended with Marsanne or Grenache Blanc to create wines of depth and elegance. Outside France, Roussanne is also planted in California, Washington State, Australia, and parts of Italy.

Roussanne is prized for its distinctive aromatic profile and its ability to produce complex, age-worthy wines. It typically offers aromas of pear, peach, and honey, complemented by floral notes such as acacia and herbal hints like chamomile or fennel. As it ages, it develops nutty, toasty, and lanolin-like characteristics, gaining richness and complexity. On the palate, it is often medium- to full-bodied, with a silky texture and balanced acidity.

Viticulturally, Roussanne is notoriously challenging to grow. It is late-ripening, susceptible to mildew and rot, and sensitive to wind and drought. Its low yields and tendency to oxidise require careful vineyard and cellar management. Despite these challenges, Roussanne’s elegance and distinctive character make it one of the Rhône’s most prestigious and sought-after white grape varieties.