Domaine Alain Graillot Crozes-Hermitage Blanc 2019

Alain Graillot's white Crozes-Hermitage is a blend of 80 per cent Marsanne and 20 per cent Roussanne, bottled under screwcap.

Crozes-Hermitage is the largest appellation of the northern Rhône, spreading around the hill of Hermitage, and only a small share of it is white. The fruit here comes from a 2.7-hectare plot on the deep alluvial soils of Pont-de-l'Isère, on the flat land south of Tain. The grapes are whole-bunch pressed and fermented naturally in 600-litre demi-muids. Marsanne in particular can turn rich in this climate, so Maxime Graillot arrests the malolactic fermentation to keep the acid cut intact, and bottles under screwcap for the same reason. The result is crunchier and rather racier than these varieties usually give in the Rhône, with pear, lemon rind, cumquat, ginger and hay in the mix and a punchy, juicy grip on the finish.

Delicious now and it will pick up more honeyed richness over three to five years; serve at 10-12°C with roast pork, grilled chicken or a creamy cheese.

*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.