In the glass
What it pairs with
-
Roast rack of lamb
The wine's concentration and mineral character match this classic Rhone pairing. -
Beef daube Provencale
Rich beef stew with olives and herbs echoes the wine's olive and mineral notes. -
Venison with lentils
The wine's iron and dark fruit complement gamey venison and earthy lentils.
How to serve Crozes-Hermitage La Guiraude
Allow 95 minutes from open to pour.
- Open and decant. Open 90 minutes before serving and pour into a decanter to aerate.
- Serve at 16-18°C. Cellar temperature (16-18°C) is the band for this style. Warmer pushes alcohol forward; colder dampens aromatics.
- Glassware. Use a large Bordeaux-style glass: the bowl shape rewards the wine's structure.
- Pair with. Roast rack of lamb, Beef daube Provencale, Venison with lentils. Match the wine's structure to the dish's fat and salt.
History
La Guiraude was identified by Graillot as a top parcel on his estate, with old Syrah vines on glacial soils. It was first bottled separately in 1990.
- 1990 — First separate bottling of La Guiraude from the old-vine single parcel
Facts
- Producer
- Domaine Alain Graillot
- Grapes
- Syrah (100%)
- Classification
- Crozes-Hermitage AOC
- Oak
- 18 months in used French oak barriques, some new
- ABV
- 13.5%
- Price
- EUR 40-60 at retail
- Drinking window
- 6-15 from vintage
- First vintage
- 1990
Frequently asked about Crozes-Hermitage La Guiraude
What does Crozes-Hermitage La Guiraude taste like?
Structurally full-bodied, firm tannins, high acidity with a long, mineral and savoury finish.
When should I drink Crozes-Hermitage La Guiraude?
Drink 6-15 from vintage. Young vintages benefit from 30-90 minutes of decanting; mature bottles should be handled carefully for sediment.
What food pairs with Crozes-Hermitage La Guiraude?
Roast rack of lamb is the canonical pairing. Other strong matches include Beef daube Provencale and Venison with lentils. The wine's concentration and mineral character match this classic Rhone pairing.
What grapes are in Crozes-Hermitage La Guiraude?
The blend is Syrah (100%). The wine is classified as Crozes-Hermitage AOC.