Domaine Alain Graillot Crozes-Hermitage 2021

Domaine Alain Graillot Crozes-Hermitage is organically farmed Syrah from the Terrasse des Chassis, the stony alluvial plain at Pont-de-l’Isère.

Crozes-Hermitage is the largest of the northern Rhône appellations, and much of it lies on flat ground east and south of the Hermitage hill rather than on slopes. The Graillot vines sit on the Terrasse des Chassis at Pont-de-l’Isère, where ancient alluvial deposits have left a bed of sand, gravel and smooth rolled stones. The vines average 40 to 50 years and are farmed organically, and the domaine is now run by Maxime Graillot. The fruit is loaded into lined concrete vats without destemming for a pre-ferment maceration of two to five days, then fermented naturally. Ageing takes place in used François Frères barriques of between one and seven years old, bought from Burgundy estates, with 20-hectolitre Stockinger ovals taking a growing role since 2011. The whole-bunch component shows as savoury lift rather than green edge.

Drinking well now and will improve for a decade or more. Serve at 16-18°C with grilled lamb, peppered steak or a beef and olive daube.

*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.