Alain Graillot 2020 Zenatta Syrocco 750ml

In a nutshell, a master of Syrah in the Crozes-Hermitage region of the Northern Rhone discovered something very special while on vacation; this wine is what happened next. Alain Graillot is known for his bold handling of old vines and wines of grippy concentration. While on vacation in the Zenata region of Morocco, he stumbled upon a near-abandoned old winery while riding a tandem bicycle with his friend (scene depicted on the label). The bush-trained vines, while wild and overgrown, were still healthy. The Crozes-Hermitage winemaker could tell just by the shape of the leaves that the grapes growing on the vines were Syrah, his chief medium. The Zenata region is generally too hot for vitus vinifera, but here on the coast, the water cools the air off and tempers weather spikes. Alain went to the farmhouse, knocked on the door, and purchased the property. Vines here at the Thalvin winery were planted in the 1920s. Graillot’s Syrah from this rare plot is now just delicious. Bright blue fruit, a little fresh cut green pepper coming through on the palate, grippy tannins, and classic structure. This is a subtle but powerful wine. This coastal farm is bottled up and will keep you curious ‘til the very last sip. Warm Mediterranean sun means ripe fruit balanced by the freshness from the Atlantic breeze, and the inherent depth of old vine Syrah: fresh flavor! Lamb is always a natural pairing for Syrah, and if you’ve not experimented with North African spices in the kitchen before, this wine is a great excuse to do so. Get bold and slowly cook up a Tagine or keep it simpler and add a little cinnamon or similar aromatic to your go-to favorite winter stew.

-- thewiseolddog.com