2020 Domaine Alain Graillot Crozes-Hermitage Blanc
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2020 Domaine Alain Graillot Crozes-Hermitage Blanc

Crozes Hermitage, Northern Rhone, FRANCE
$82. 99
Bottle
$995.88 Dozen
ABV: 12.5%
Closure: Stelvin

The family owns 22 ha of vineyards made up of 30-year-old vines in Crozes-Hermitage that are planted on well-drained, flat alluvial plains between the Rhône and Isère Rivers and two small parcels of 12-year-old vines in St. Joseph planted on hard, granite slopes that produce a slightly fresher, easy-drinking wine. Total plantings include Syrah for reds and Marsanne and Roussanne for whites. The vines are farmed organically with traditional chemical-free vineyard management techniques, and all fruit is hand-harvested and respected based on its expressive terroir.

Alain Graillot’s white Crozes-Hermitage is a deliciously crunchy blend of 80% Marsanne and 20% Roussanne, whole-bunch pressed and naturally fermented in 600-litre demi muids. The fruit comes from a 2.7-hectare plot on the deep alluvial soils of Pont-de-l’Isère. Maxime compensates for the richness of fruit (in particular from the Marsanne) by arresting the malo to maintain cut. He bottles under screwcap for the same reason.

Other Reviews....
A blend of 80% Marsanne and 20% Roussanne, aged in equal parts stainless steel tank and 600-liter demi-muids, Graillot's 2020 Crozes Hermitage Blanc features slightly honeyed notes on the nose, plus hints of pear and pineapple. It's medium-bodied, fresh, direct and clean, an early-drinking charmer, even if it lacks the richness of some vintages. Drink 2021 - 2023.
89 points
Joe Czerwinski - Wine Advocate (Jan 2022)