Domaine Alain Graillot Crozes-Hermitage Rouge 2023
2023, Crozes-Hermitage, Rhone Valley, France
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Profile & Story
Domaine Alain Graillot was founded in 1985 by Alain Graillot in Pont-de-l'Isère, becoming a reference for traditional Northern-Rhône Syrah from organically farmed, stone-laden vineyards in the appellation's gravelly plain. The estate has been run by sons Maxime and Antoine Graillot since 2008, with winemaking continued by Thomas Schmittel. Vinification has remained unchanged: hand-harvest, 100% whole-cluster fermentation in concrete tanks with pump-overs (no punch-downs), 15–21 days on skins, then aging primarily in 1-to-3-year-old barrels sourced from top Burgundy estates (~80% barrel, 20% tank). The 2023 was bottled in March 2025.
Tasting Notes
Brooding nose of black cherry and spice with olive, crushed rock, pepper, and a hint of cured meat; ripe red-fruit tones, stemmy/pencil-shaving lift, licorice and cedar from whole-cluster fermentation; medium- to full-bodied, powerful and rich, with savory olive and meat tones beneath sleek black fruits, fine-grained tannins, and a long, mineral, subtly chewy finish.
Pairing Recommendation
Grilled or roasted red meats, lamb, game, hearty stews, charcuterie, and aged hard cheeses.