Domaine Alain Graillot Crozes-Hermitage 1.5L MAGNUM 2019

Alain Graillot's Crozes-Hermitage, in magnum, comes from organically farmed old vines on the stony Terrasse des Chassis at Pont-de-l'Isère.

Crozes-Hermitage surrounds the hill of Hermitage on the left bank of the northern Rhône, and its southern part at Pont-de-l'Isère sits on the Terrasse des Chassis, an ancient alluvial deposit of sand, gravel and rolled stones. Maxime Graillot farms the estate's vines here organically, with an average age of forty to fifty years. The grapes are crushed whole-cluster into lined concrete vats for a pre-fermentation maceration of two to five days, fermented with natural yeasts, and matured in used François Frères barriques of one to seven years bought from Burgundy domaines, with twenty-hectolitre Stockinger ovals playing a growing part since 2011. Low yields give concentration, and the tannins finish rounded rather than firm. In magnum the wine develops more slowly, which suits a red already known for its ageing.

Approachable now, but a magnum is worth ten to fifteen years. Serve at 16-18°C with a shoulder of lamb, braised beef or grilled mushrooms.

*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.