The late, great, Alain Graillot is an undeniable star of the Northern Rhone, respected for his humility, skill and organic viticulture. He 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 that come off of the alluvial plains in what was deemed at the time a not so fashionable appellate.
La Guiraude is a tête de cuvée, a barrel selection made only in vintages where it is felt there are some barrels that exhibit particularly intense and age-worthy personalities. Not necessarily a ‘better’ wine than the Domaine Crozes, it is typically more powerful and in need of longer cellaring.