Every wine region in the world has its benchmark producers. These are the producers that year after year release top tier wines with a consistent voice that is evident in each bottle. These producers are an inspiration to younger producers throughout the world. Alain Graillot is a classic example, presiding over 50 acres of 30+ year-old vines in Crozes-Hermitage, just off the powerful hill of Hermitage in the Northern Rhone. Graillot has always focused on the pursuit of greatness. Quality comes first. He passed in 2022, though his voice lives on with both of his sons, Antoine and Maxime, who picked up their father's torch back in 2008.

From his wines, he selects certain barrels to create a limited label known as “La Guiraude,” which he considers his best. He has been a guiding light for quality that every neighboring producer aims to emulate.