Dominique VIALA
Sommelier : Domaine de Clairefontaine For three decades, Dominique Viala has been overseeing the wine cellar at the Domaine de Clairefontaine (3 toques) in Chonas-l’Amballan, alongside Chef Philippe Girardon.
Presentation
He is one of those sommeliers whose name is synonymous with a particular winery. For some thirty years, Dominique Viala has been the heart and soul of the Domaine de Clairefontaine (3 toques) winery in Chonas-l’Amballan, in northern Isère, where he pairs wines with the cuisine of Philippe Girardon, a Meilleur Ouvrier de France.
A family-run establishment at the gateway to the Rhône Valley
In this family home nestled in a park, where the torch of hospitality is now being passed from Laurence to Amélie, he guides each table through a top-tier selection of Rhône wines, from Côte-Rôtie to Châteauneuf-du-Pape, not to mention wines from vineyards around the world. As the chef has a passion for Chartreuse, the cellar also houses dozens of bottles of the liqueur, including vintage bottles that are now impossible to find.
Pairings Tailored to Each Table
A connoisseur of terroirs and a great admirer of winemakers’ craft, Dominique Viala has crafted a wine list that reflects his vision, which he explains bottle by bottle. Attentive to each guest, he tailors his recommendations and creates perfectly balanced pairings with cuisine rooted in French tradition—precise and modern—that showcases regional ingredients, from Ampuis Swiss chard to lobsters from the live tank.
