Domaine Alain Graillot - Crozes Hermitage 2023
The Domaine Alain Graillot, located in Pont-de-l’Isère in the northern Rhône valley, is an essential reference for the Crozes-Hermitage appellation. Founded in 1985 by Alain Graillot, a pioneer of a sincere and demanding style, the estate is now managed by his sons Maxime and Antoine Graillot, who faithfully continue this vision. The vineyard of about 20 hectares rests on alluvial, clay-limestone, and stony soils, worked with great rigor and controlled yields. Without official certification, the estate adopts practices close to organic, with manual harvesting, indigenous yeasts, and limited interventions to preserve the identity of the terroir and the vintage.
The Crozes-Hermitage 2023 is the estate’s emblematic and historic cuvée, the one that best embodies the Graillot style. Made exclusively from Syrah, it comes from a blend of parcels representative of the appellation, offering a complete and authentic reading of Crozes-Hermitage. The 2023 vintage stands out for a beautiful balance between fruit ripeness and natural freshness, giving birth to a precise, upright, and deeply Rhodanian wine.
On tasting, the wine opens with clear aromas of fresh black fruits, violet, and pepper, accompanied by subtle smoky notes. The palate is structured yet supple, supported by fine tannins, a beautiful tension, and a long, saline, and spicy finish. This flagship cuvée is as charming in its youth as it is suitable for aging, and will perfectly accompany roasted meats, grilled dishes, regional cuisine, or stews.
Grape variety: 100% Syrah