Domaine Alain Graillot Crozes-Hermitage 1.5L MAGNUM 2023

Domaine Alain Graillot Crozes-Hermitage is the benchmark bottling of the appellation, grown on the rolled stones of the Terrasse des Chassis and released here in magnum.

Crozes-Hermitage is the largest of the northern Rhône appellations, and the flat, stony terraces around Pont-de-l'Isère are its heartland, with soils formed by ancient alluvial deposits of sand, gravel and river stone. Alain Graillot's arrival in the 1980s reset expectations for what the appellation could do, and the domaine is now run by his son Maxime. The vines average forty to fifty years and are organically managed. Fruit is loaded into lined concrete vats without destemming and given a pre-ferment maceration of two to five days, then fermented with indigenous yeasts. Ageing takes place in used François Frères barriques between one and seven years old, bought from Burgundy estates, with 20-hectolitre Stockinger ovals playing a growing part since 2011. The magnum format will slow its development.

Approachable at three years and worth keeping for ten, it is a natural match for grilled lamb, peppered steak or braised beef cheek. Serve at 16 to 18°C.

*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.