Domaine Alain Graillot
The late Alain Graillot earned international acclaim as one of France’s most talented winemakers, particularly in the Rhône Valley. Starting in 1985, he quickly made a name for himself by producing exceptional Syrah wines from Crozes-Hermitage, showcasing rich black fruit, aromatic intensity, pepper, and spice, balanced by crisp acidity and fine tannins. Graillot’s success proved the potential of an often-overlooked appellation, turning Crozes-Hermitage and Saint-Joseph into sought-after wine regions.
With guidance from renowned winemakers like Paul Jaboulet and Jacques Seysses, Graillot bought his vineyards in 1988 and expanded to Saint-Joseph and Hermitage. His sons, Maxime and Antoine, have managed the estate since 2008, maintaining their father’s legacy of organic farming, hand-harvesting, and whole-cluster fermentation. The domaine continues to produce exceptional wines, including the rare “La Guiraude,” cementing its status as one of the top wineries in France.
- Appellation: Rhone Valley
- Owner: Graillot Family
- Winemaker: Maxime Graillot
- Varieties Grown: Marsanne, Roussanne, Syrah
- Hectares/Age of Vines: 22 ha / 30 years old
- Altitude/Soil: On well-drained, flat alluvial plains
- Farming Methods: Organic methods