Domaine Alain Graillot

Hard work and high standards: the keys to Alain Graillot's success

At the age of 41, Alain Graillot, then a chemical engineer, decided to change his life and, in the mid-80s, bought an 18-hectare vineyard in the Crozes-Hermitage appellation. A novice in the field, he trained himself thanks to the advice of winemakers. As soon as he arrived in the wine world, respect for nature was one of his priorities, which was then considered original! When he bought the property, the existing vines were not chemically treated. It was imperative to maintain these exceptional lands in their original state. Alain Graillot is the man who innovated by banning insecticides, pesticides and herbicides, reducing yields and imposing ploughing... With each passing vintage, his Crozes-Hermitage cuvées stand out: they are consistent and of incomparable quality. Domaine Graillot also produces Saint-Joseph. Although Alain Graillot has entrusted his sons with the management of the estate, he continues to work in the wine world: he is now a consultant to major estates in France and abroad.

Alain Graillot's 2 sons have taken over

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Alain Graillot has passed on his love of the vineyard to his two sons. The two brothers jointly watch over this precious estate of some twenty hectares. Antoine and Maxime share the same conviction as their father: respect for nature is paramount. That's why they maintain good practices such as manual harvesting and the use of ploughs... Maxime and Antoine have developed a passion for Gamay and are embarking on a new adventure in Beaujolais with the creation of Domaine de Fa in 2021.

The Domaine Alain Graillot, one of the great names in the Crozes-Hermitage appellation

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Primarily known for its red wines, the Crozes-Hermitage appellation also produces a few white wines. The appellation comprises 1,650 hectares spread over eleven communes in the Rhône Valley. To the south, the soil is composed of fluvioglacial alluvium and Rhône pebbles, while to the north, the vines are planted on granitic soils. The grape varieties are Syrah (still the main grape variety), Marsanne and Roussanne for red wines, and Marsanne and Roussanne for white wines. Alain Graillot has made a major contribution to developing the potential of the Crozes-Hermitage appellation: the wines that designate it are no longer simply fruity wines.

The treasures produced by Domaine Alain Graillot

Domaine Graillot's Crozes-Hermitage wines can be enjoyed young. They can be laid down for a long time, depending on the vintage, to reveal their full complexity. Crozes-Hermitage red wines are best served at 16-17°C. They will enhance your meat, poultry and game dishes. Crozes-Hermitage white wines are a judicious choice for white meats and fish, at a serving temperature of 14-15°C. Finally, discover the Saint-Joseph wines from this exceptional estate to accompany your meats (red Saint-Joseph) or fish, meat in sauce or spicy dishes (white Saint-Joseph).