Domaine Alain Graillot Crozes-Hermitage 2019

Alain Graillot's Crozes-Hermitage is the benchmark red of its appellation, grown on the rolled stones of the Terrasse des Chassis and now farmed organically.

Crozes-Hermitage spreads out around the hill of Hermitage, and its southern sector at Pont-de-l'Isère is defined by the Terrasse des Chassis, an old alluvial bed of sand, gravel and smooth river stones. The Graillot vines here average forty to fifty years and are organically managed by Maxime Graillot, who has continued the work his father began in the 1980s. The fruit is crushed without destemming into lined concrete vats for a pre-ferment maceration of two to five days, fermented on indigenous yeasts, then aged in used François Frères barriques between one and seven years old, bought from Burgundy estates. Since 2011 twenty-hectolitre Stockinger ovals have taken a growing role. Low yields give depth without heaviness, and the tannins are rounded despite the thick skins of the grape.

Seductive already but built to age for a decade. Serve at 16-18°C with grilled lamb, duck sausages or roast eggplant with olives.

*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.