Crozes-Hermitage Clos des Grives Blanc by Domaine Combier

Structure

Bodyfull

Tanninlow

Aciditymedium

Sweetnessdry

Oakbarrel aged

Drinking window

Best 3 to 12 years from vintage.

vintage3 yrs12 yrs14 yrs

Critic scores

No critic score is published for this bottle that we can cite with a reviewer, a vintage and a review year, so none is shown. The rating in the header is our own.

In the glass

Full-bodiedLow tanninMedium acidityDryLong, Mineral And Peachy finish

Aroma: white flowers, peach, almond, beeswax, ginger

Palate: rich stone fruit, hazelnut, mineral texture, Roussanne floral lift, long finish

The white Clos des Grives is biodynamically farmed Marsanne and Roussanne producing a rich, textural Crozes white at good value. The blanc represents around 10 percent of estate output.

What it pairs with

Roast chicken with tarragon butter
Rich Marsanne-based white suits cream and herb preparations with poultry.
Fresh crab with aioli
The wine's mineral freshness and peach fruit balance the richness of crab.
Penne with creamy mushroom sauce
Hazelnut and mineral Marsanne white suits earthy cream pasta.

How to serve Crozes-Hermitage Clos des Grives Blanc

Allow 35 minutes from open to pour.

Open and decant. Open 30 minutes before serving and pour into a decanter to aerate.
Serve at 10-12°C. Cellar temperature (10-12°C) is the band for this style. Warmer pushes alcohol forward; colder dampens aromatics.
Glassware. Use a medium-sized white-wine glass: the bowl shape rewards the wine's structure.
Pair with. Roast chicken with tarragon butter, Fresh crab with aioli, Penne with creamy mushroom sauce. Match the wine's structure to the dish's fat and salt.

History

The white Clos des Grives was added to Combier's single-parcel range in 1993, reflecting the biodynamic estate's desire to showcase both the red and white potential of their Crozes terroir.

1993: First vintage of Clos des Grives blanc from biodynamic Marsanne and Roussanne

Facts

Producer: Domaine Combier · visiting guide
Grapes: Marsanne (70%), Roussanne (30%)
Classification: Crozes-Hermitage AOC
Oak: 12 months in used French oak barriques
ABV: 13.5%
Price: EUR 22-35 at retail
Drinking window: 3-12 from vintage
First vintage: 1993
Biodynamic: Biodynamic Practicing
Organic: ECOCERT

Frequently asked about Crozes-Hermitage Clos des Grives Blanc

What does Crozes-Hermitage Clos des Grives Blanc taste like?

On the nose, white flowers, peach, almond, beeswax, ginger. On the palate, rich stone fruit, hazelnut, mineral texture, Roussanne floral lift, long finish. Structurally full-bodied, low tannins, medium acidity with a long, mineral and peachy finish. The white Clos des Grives is biodynamically farmed Marsanne and Roussanne producing a rich, textural Crozes white at good value. The blanc represents around 10 percent of estate output.

When should I drink Crozes-Hermitage Clos des Grives Blanc?

Drink 3-12 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 Clos des Grives Blanc?

Roast chicken with tarragon butter is the canonical pairing. Other strong matches include Fresh crab with aioli and Penne with creamy mushroom sauce. Rich Marsanne-based white suits cream and herb preparations with poultry.

What grapes are in Crozes-Hermitage Clos des Grives Blanc?

The blend is Marsanne (70%), Roussanne (30%). The wine is classified as Crozes-Hermitage AOC.

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