Domaine Alain Graillot Crozes-Hermitage 2020

Domaine Alain Graillot Crozes-Hermitage is the benchmark red of the appellation, grown on the rolled stones of the Terrasse des Chassis.

Crozes-Hermitage is the largest of the northern Rhône appellations, and its southern sector at Pont-de-l'Isère is a flat terrace of ancient alluvial deposits, sand, gravel and smooth river stones. Alain Graillot established the domaine here in 1985 and it is now run by Maxime Graillot; it carries two stars in the Revue du Vin de France guide, the highest rating of any Crozes estate. The vines average forty to fifty years and are organically managed. The grapes are loaded whole and crushed without destemming into lined concrete vats for a two to five day pre-ferment maceration, then fermented with natural yeasts. Ageing takes 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. The wine shows dark berries, purple florals and warm spices over ferrous, mineral tones, with a suave palate of black olive, smoky charcuterie and graphite.

Approachable young and worth a decade in the cellar. Serve at 16-18°C with roast lamb, peppered steak or grilled eggplant.

*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.