Domaine Alain Graillot Crozes-Hermitage La Guiraude 2020

Domaine Alain Graillot Crozes-Hermitage La Guiraude is the domaine's tête de cuvée, a selection of barrels made only in years that warrant it.

Crozes-Hermitage is the largest appellation of the northern Rhône, and the Graillot family works vines on the Terrasse des Chassis at Pont-de-l'Isère, a plain of smooth alluvial stones to the south of the Hermitage hill. La Guiraude is not a separate vineyard but a selection of the casks showing the most intensity and the greatest capacity to age. The winemaking is identical to that of the classic Crozes, with whole-bunch fermentation in concrete and ageing in used Burgundian barriques, but the chosen casks spend longer in wood and longer in bottle before release. The Graillots are quick to point out that La Guiraude is not necessarily a better wine than the standard cuvée, only a more powerful one that asks for cellar time. Maxime Graillot picked on 3 September, roughly a week ahead of his neighbours.

Built to age for a decade or more and worth decanting if opened young. Serve at 16-18°C with barbecued rib-eye, slow-roast lamb or a peppery beef 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.