Alain Graillot, Saint-Joseph Rouge 2022
Variety: Syrah
STORY: Every wine region in the world has its benchmark producers. These are the producers that year after year release top tier wines with a consistent voice that is evident in each bottle. These producers are an inspiration to younger producers throughout the world. Alain Graillot is a classic example, presiding over 50 acres of 30+ year-old vines in Crozes-Hermitage, just off the powerful hill of Hermitage in the Northern Rhone. Graillot has always focused on the pursuit of greatness. Quality comes first. He passed away in 2022, though his voice lives on with both of his sons, Antoine and Maxime, who picked up their father's torch back in 2008.
This Syrah comes from two separate parcels in the original vineyards of Saint-Joseph in the Northern Rhone. The grapes all undergo whole cluster fermentation. Ageing begins in concrete and finishes in barrels aged 1-3 years old.