Domaine Alain Graillot Crozes-Hermitage Blanc 2021

Domaine Alain Graillot Crozes-Hermitage Blanc is a Marsanne-led northern Rhône white from the alluvial soils of Pont-de-l'Isère.

White Crozes-Hermitage accounts for only a small share of the appellation, made from Marsanne and Roussanne on the flat southern sector below the hill of Hermitage. Alain Graillot founded the domaine in 1985 and it is now in the hands of Maxime Graillot. The fruit for this wine comes from a 2.7-hectare plot on the deep alluvial soils of Pont-de-l'Isère, and the blend runs 80 per cent Marsanne to 20 per cent Roussanne. The grapes were whole-bunch pressed and naturally fermented in a mix of one-year-old 600-litre demi-muids and stainless steel. The vines are now reaching forty years and yields are low, so to keep the richness of the Marsanne in check Maxime arrests the malolactic conversion and bottles under screwcap, both decisions taken in the name of freshness. The wine is textured and silky, with stone fruit, apricot and honey blossom over a complexing kernel nuttiness, zesty acidity and a fine phenolic grip.

Drink over the next five or six years, decanting if young. Serve at 10-12°C with boldly spiced fish, roast chicken or grilled quail.

*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.