Master of his domaine

Rhone Valley winemaker Alain Graillot is big in Crozes-Hermitage. He was once described as its ”brightest new star”. However, in person he is quiet, at times barely audible. And what does the gentleman with the twinkly eyes, ready smile and wild white spectacles have to say? Well, to his Australian business partner, Rob Walters, the man is a constant source of wine knowledge and experience. To Australian Shiraz drinkers, Graillot wants to start a discussion on style, specifically about the way we view our national red, writes Jeni Port in The Age.