In the glass
Aroma: blackberry, plum, smoked herbs, pepper, violet
Palate: ripe dark fruit, mineral depth, medium-firm tannins, herbal spice, clean long finish
The Clos des Grives is a biodynamically-farmed single parcel, producing one of the most elegant and mineral Crozes-Hermitage wines. Laurent Combier's biodynamic commitment produces exceptional purity.
What it pairs with
-
Duck magret with green peppercorn sauce
The wine's peppery mineral character aligns with the pepper sauce on duck. -
Lamb shoulder with whole garlic
Slow-roasted lamb with garlic suits the wine's dark fruit and herbal notes. -
Wild mushroom and herb quiche
The wine's herbal notes and moderate tannins pair naturally with mushroom tart.
How to serve Crozes-Hermitage Clos des Grives Rouge
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. Duck magret with green peppercorn sauce, Lamb shoulder with whole garlic, Wild mushroom and herb quiche. Match the wine's structure to the dish's fat and salt.
History
Laurent Combier converted the Clos des Grives parcel to biodynamic farming and began separate bottling in 1990. It has become the standout wine of the Combier estate and a benchmark for biodynamic Crozes.
- 1990 — First separate bottling of Clos des Grives under biodynamic-practicing farming
Facts
- Producer
- Domaine Combier
- Grapes
- Syrah (100%)
- Classification
- Crozes-Hermitage AOC
- Oak
- 16 months in used French oak barriques
- ABV
- 13.0%
- Price
- EUR 25-40 at retail
- Drinking window
- 5-15 from vintage
- First vintage
- 1990
- Biodynamic
- Biodynamic Practicing
- Organic
- ECOCERT
Frequently asked about Crozes-Hermitage Clos des Grives Rouge
What does Crozes-Hermitage Clos des Grives Rouge taste like?
On the nose, blackberry, plum, smoked herbs, pepper, violet. On the palate, ripe dark fruit, mineral depth, medium-firm tannins, herbal spice, clean long finish. Structurally full-bodied, firm tannins, high acidity with a long, herbal and mineral finish. The Clos des Grives is a biodynamically-farmed single parcel, producing one of the most elegant and mineral Crozes-Hermitage wines. Laurent Combier's biodynamic commitment produces exceptional purity.
When should I drink Crozes-Hermitage Clos des Grives Rouge?
Drink 5-15 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 Clos des Grives Rouge?
Duck magret with green peppercorn sauce is the canonical pairing. Other strong matches include Lamb shoulder with whole garlic and Wild mushroom and herb quiche. The wine's peppery mineral character aligns with the pepper sauce on duck.
What grapes are in Crozes-Hermitage Clos des Grives Rouge?
The blend is Syrah (100%). The wine is classified as Crozes-Hermitage AOC.