Alain Graillot Crozes-Hermitage 1.5L MAGNUM 2018

This magnum holds Alain Graillot's Crozes-Hermitage, from organically managed vines of 40 to 50 years on the rolled stones of the Terrasse des Chassis.

Crozes-Hermitage is the largest appellation of the northern Rhône, and the Graillot domaine, run by Alain's sons Maxime and Antoine, is its benchmark estate. The vines sit at Pont-de-l'Isère, where the soil was formed by ancient alluvial deposits of sand, gravel and river stones. Grapes are loaded into lined concrete vats crushed but not destemmed and cooled to 18°C for a pre-ferment maceration of two to five days, fermentation runs on natural yeast, and the wine is aged in used François Frères barriques bought from leading Burgundy estates, with Stockinger ovals playing a growing role. The 1.5-litre format is worth noting in its own right: a magnum ages more slowly and more evenly than a standard bottle, so the wine holds its freshness longer.

Good on release and will keep longer in this format; serve at 16-18°C with roast lamb, beef ribs or a mature hard cheese.

*Every effort is made to ensure the current vintage is accurate; however, variations can occur. If you are after a specific vintage, please contact us prior to ordering.