Tasting Notes
Now with two stars in France’s leading wine guide, Revue du Vin de France’s Le Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France, this is the highest-rated Crozes Domaine and reaffirms the great work being done by Maxime Graillot. With an average vine age of between 40 and 50 years, the Graillot terroirs are now humming on all cylinders. Organically managed, gnarled and manicured vines reach up from a sea of smooth, rolled stones like the hands of an old vigneron. They are rooted on the Terrasse des Chassis in Pont-de-I’lsère, where the ‘soil’ was formed by ancient alluvial deposits of sand, gravel and river stones.
With regards to the winemaking, the organically farmed grapes were loaded (crushed without destemming) into lined concrete vats for a two- to five-day pre-ferment maceration. After a natural yeast fermentation, the wine was aged in used François Frères barriques (between one- and seven-year-old) purchased from some of the finest estates in Burgundy. Since the 2011 vintage, 20-hectolitre Stockinger ovals have also begun to play a quiet, yet growing, role.
Born from low yields, expect a wine of considerable depth and intensity of flavour. Swirling aromas of fresh black and blue fruits are tinged with violet, black olive and pepper. The palate is full of verve and silky concentration, balanced by fine structure. There’s real energy here and despite the grape’s thick skins, the tannins are rounded. It’s going to age very well yet it’s already seductive. Stunning! - Importer Note
There are few names as revered as Alain Graillot.
In 1985, the now legendary Graillot returned to his home in Crozes Hermitage, after working with the venerable Jacques Seysses at Domaine Dujac. With each passing year, his devotion to crafting his hauntingly delicious Syrah has been rewarded with an ever-growing, and highly dedicated, following around the world.
Recently, Domaine Alain Graillot was given two Etoiles (stars), making it the highest rated Crozes domaine in France's leading wine guide, Revue du Vin de France. This confirms the great work being done by Alain's sons, Maxime and Antoine, who have been in charge of the Domaine since 2008.
All of the work in the vineyards is carried out by hand, as it ever was. Gnarled, yet manicured vines reach up from a sea of smooth, rolled stones, over ancient alluvial deposits. In the winery, Maxime continues the hands-off approach with whole-cluster fermentation using natural yeasts, and no additions apart from a minimal use of sulphur.
The domaine’s status as one of the top domaines in all of France is without question and the whole lineup are must-haves for any serious Northern Rhone fan.
| Product Type | Wine Red Shiraz |
| Volume | 1500ml |
| Country | France |
| Region | Northern Rhone |
| Sub Region | Crozes Hermitage |
| Winemaking Practices | Minimal Intervention |
| Vineyard Practices | Organic/Biodynamic |