Crozes-Hermitage Clos des Grives Rouge

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.

1. Open and decant. Open 90 minutes before serving and pour into a decanter to aerate.
2. Serve at 16-18°C. Cellar temperature (16-18°C) is the band for this style. Warmer pushes alcohol forward; colder dampens aromatics.
3. Glassware. Use a large Bordeaux-style glass: the bowl shape rewards the wine's structure.
4. 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.

1. 1990: First separate bottling of Clos des Grives under biodynamic-practicing farming

Facts

Producer

Domaine Combier · visiting guide

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

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