Alain Graillot Crozes-Hermitage Blanc 2018

Alain Graillot Crozes-Hermitage Blanc is a Marsanne-led white from a single alluvial plot at Pont-de-l'Isère.

Crozes-Hermitage is the largest of the northern Rhône appellations, wrapped around the Hermitage hill, and white wine is a small part of its output, made from Marsanne and Roussanne. The Graillot domaine has been a reference point here since the 1980s and is now run by Maxime Graillot. The blend is eighty per cent Marsanne to twenty per cent Roussanne, drawn from a 2.7-hectare plot on the deep alluvial soils of Pont-de-l'Isère. The fruit is whole-bunch pressed and fermented naturally in 600-litre demi-muid. Marsanne can turn broad if left alone, so malolactic fermentation is arrested where possible to keep the acidity intact, though some casks complete it naturally. The wine is bottled under screwcap.

Fleshy and pulpy on release, and it takes on more complexity with a few years in bottle. Serve at 10-12°C with roast chicken, pork belly or a creamy fish dish.

*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.