Domaine Alain Graillot

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Winery
Domaine Alain Graillot
About Winery

Syrocco would fool most people who would think it’s from southern France. Legendary vigneron Alain Graillot, considered to be one of the most highly sought-after producers in the Northern Rhône, stumbled upon these vineyards while bicycling in the Zenata region of Morocco. Graillot was drawn by the potential of this dry, coastal region, located on the Atlantic side of the country just south of the city of Rabat. Although the daytime temperature is very hot, the evenings are cool, allowing grapes to ripen and build both acidity and complexity. The alluvial/limestone soils are similar to his native Rhône soils, where Syrah vines thrive. This gorgeous area is also an organic dream because it has no polluting industries in the area. Truly an ideal area to produce high-quality wine.


Grapes are harvested by hand from selected parcels of Syrah vines, some 48 years old. Syrocco has a deep ruby colour with an expressive nose, excellent balance and complex aromatics. Plenty of ripe purple black fruits and dried red cherry followed by hints of sandalwood, herbs, and spice. The finish is dry, long, and similar to classic Syrah. An excellent wine for a BBQ feast!

 

Alain Graillot

Alain Graillot founded his domaine in Crozes-Hermitage in 1985, and rapidly became one of the most in-demand producers in the Northern Rhone for his exuberant, robust, and complete Syrah-based wines. Alain owns 50 acres of 30-year-old Crozes-Hermitage vines on the flat alluvial plain between the Rhône and Isère rivers, in well-draining soils of sand, gravel, and stones. He also has two tiny parcels in St. Joseph, from which he makes a slightly fresher, more early-drinking wine than the remarkable Crozes-Hermitage that constitutes the majority of his production.
Alain harvests by hand and works organically, employing whole-cluster fermentation and aging the wines primarily in 1-to-3 year old barrels purchased from some of the top estates in Burgundy. In great years, he makes tiny quantities of a barrel selection knows as “La Guiraude,” a rare and spectacular wine. Graillot’s wines are structured, but still very appealing and approachable in their youth, and their longevity is truly remarkable… These are must-haves for any serious Northern Rhone fan.