Domaine Alain Graillot

Ampuis

Maxime and Antoine have been running the domaine founded by their father Alain in 1985 for over a decade now. A self-taught wine producer who became a highly respected name, Alain had the humility of all great men. It lives on today in his children: “We’re not creators. We’re not trying to be role models. We’re simply witnesses.” Witnesses to time and its eternity. Witnesses to Nature and her fragility. As the vintages come and go, the Graillot style continues to amaze with its consistency, combining a mastery of the Syrah grape with immediate drinking pleasure and exceptional cellar-ageing potential. There’s nothing magical about this know-how, it simply works in harmony with Nature and respects the Living World: no crop protection products, all organic, low yields, hand-harvested grapes vinified whole, etc. “Our definition of progress is not to produce more, but to produce better. We want to pass on to the next generation a domaine that is as sustainable and enduring as the one we inherited.” The La Guiraude wine has a bright future ahead of it.

Vineyards

17 ha AOC CROZES HERMITAGE RED. 3 ha AOC CROZES HERMITAGE WHITE. Gravelly soils of old alluvium. 1.5 ha AOC SAINT JOSEPH RED. Special feature: the vineyards are managed traditionally without the use of chemical weedkillers. All the soils are ploughed.

Cellar

Harvested by hand, no destemming, and pumping over operations on the Crozes Hermitage and Saint Joseph. Vinification in temperature-controlled concrete tanks. Maceration for around 14-18 days. Aged in barrels and foudres.

Wines

CROZES HERMITAGE RED: Syrah (100%). This wine ages very well but its deep aromatic expression makes it very interesting when young • La Guiraude: Syrah (100%). A selection of the best barrels. Concentrated and harmonious, perfect for laying down. CROZES HERMITAGE WHITE: Marsanne (80%) and Roussanne (20%). Fermented and aged 50% in barrels and 50% in stainless steel, bottled early for young drinking. SAINT JOSEPH RED: Syrah (100%). A fruity wine that can be kept for 5 to 10 years.