The winery
Domaine Alain Graillot
A leading French producer of Crozes-Hermitage Syrah, known for structured wines and a traditional, low-impact winegrowing approach.
- Northern Rhône (Crozes-Hermitage) · France
- Since 1985
- 5 products
The story
Alain Graillot settled in the Crozes-Hermitage area in the mid-1980s and began building the estate’s reputation from 1985, showing the quality possible in the appellation. Over the years the project was also carried on by his sons Maxime and Antoine; Alain Graillot passed away in 2022 and the family has continued to run the estate.
Production philosophy
The approach favors low yields, manual labor and agronomic practices that respect the soil. Red wines are often vinified with whole clusters, using traditional fermentations and moderate barrel aging. The estate is recognized for its care in the vineyard and for a production that seeks to express the terroir rather than a technology-driven style.
Terroir and vineyards
The estate is located on the alluvial plain near Pont-de-l'Isère, in the area known as Les Chênes Verts near Tain-l'Hermitage. The soils are described as sandy, gravelly alluvial soils with pebbles, which contribute to drainage and to the character of the local Syrah.
Characteristics
- Grape varieties
- Syrah
- Marsanne
- Roussanne
- Hectares
- 20.0
What makes it distinctive
- Renowned interpreter of Syrah from Crozes-Hermitage.
- Flagship cuvée: "La Guiraude"
- Crozes-Hermitage White, typically composed of 80% Marsanne and 20% Roussanne.
- Vineyard practices aimed at low yields and minimal herbicide use.
- Generational transition: Maxime and Antoine continue the project.
