Domaine Alain Graillot Crozes-Hermitage 1.5L MAGNUM 2022

Domaine Alain Graillot Crozes-Hermitage is the appellation’s long-standing benchmark red, grown organically on the rolled stones of the Terrasse des Chassis and bottled here in magnum.

The domaine holds two stars in the Revue du Vin de France’s guide, the highest rating of any Crozes estate, and its vines now average between 40 and 50 years of age. They are rooted at Pont-de-l’Isère on the Terrasse des Chassis, where the soil is really an ancient alluvial deposit of sand, gravel and smooth round river stones, and the organically managed vines emerge from it gnarled and closely tended. The fruit was loaded into lined concrete vats without destemming for a pre-ferment maceration of two to five days, then fermented naturally. Ageing took place in used François Frères barriques between one and seven years old, bought from leading Burgundy estates, with 20-hectolitre Stockinger ovals playing a growing part since 2011. This is not a polished, modern style: there is plenty of the meaty, leathery character the French call animal.

Drinking now and good for ten years in magnum; it wants food and air. Serve at 16-18°C with charcuterie, a rich meaty stew or grilled sausages.

*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.