Domaine Alain Graillot Crozes-Hermitage Blanc 2019

Screwcap. Alain Graillot’s 2019 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.

This 2019 is a particularly racy example of this wine, with good depth of pear, lemon rind, cumquat, ginger and hay notes and the kind of punchy, juicy grip not often associated with these varieties in the Rhône. Already delicious, it will develop more honeyed richness with short term (three to five years) aging.