Delas Freres Saint Esprit Cotes du Rhone Blanc 2017

Producer Information

Founded 160 years ago in the heart of the northern Côtes du Rhône, Delas Freres today crafts world class wines from both northern and southern Rhône.

Tending the steep sloping vineyards, which total some 30 hectares of vines, the team adapt their growing practices to each plot of vines to let the terroir of the Rhône shine through in the wines.

Crafted by winemaker Jacques Grange (who is originally from Burgundy), the wines from Delas Freres epitomise finesse and elegance. Recent vintages from the vineyards of Hermitage, Crozes-Hermitage, Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Côte Rôtie, Condrieu, Côtes-du-Rhône and Côtes-du-Ventoux have bee lauded in the press for their intensity of flavour and excellent value.

Vineyards

White wine production represents approximately 3% of the total volume produced by Delas.

The climate is Mediterranean and is strongly influenced by the “Mistral” wind. This strong wind results from a difference in atmospheric pressures between the northern and southern parts of the Rhône valley and it is beneficial to vine growth. The region is also marked by seasonal rains, as well as hot, exceptionally sunny weather in the summer months.

Winemaking

After pressing and cold settling for  24 hours, the musts are racked and fermented in temperature controled stainless steel tanks at maximum temperature of 18°C.

Vintage Information

2017 was one of the earliest harvests on record. A year for excellent quality but much smaller harvests across the region. Claire Darnaud reported ‘the perfect vintage with amazing weather conditions: warm and sunny since April, with just a few rainfalls at exactly the time when the vines were starting to show stress… basically no disease pressure, weeds have been growing very little and spraying, as well ploughing the soils, could be kept to a minimum… come harvest time, the foliage was absolutely perfect – green and healthy.’

Tasting Note

The colour has a golden straw hue with green tinges. The main aromas are reminiscent of white flowers and yellow fruit, enhanced by touches of exotic and citrus fruit. On the palate, the wine is bright, refined and fresh.

Food Pairing

Delicious as an aperitif or served with grilled fish.

Press

Wine Spectator: 89 POINTS
November 30, 2018, James Molesworth

“Plump and friendly, with notes of lemon verbena, yellow apple and white peach, gilded with honeysuckle details on the finish. Charming. Drink now through 2019. 6,556 cases made.”

The Wine Advocate: 88 POINTS
November 30, 2018, Joe Czerwinski

“The 2017 Côtes-du-Rhône Saint-Esprit Blanc is a blend of Grenache Blanc, Clairette, Bourboulenc and Viognier, fermented and raised in stainless steel. It offers a complex mix of citrus, stone fruit and orchard fruit notes, a plump, medium-bodied palate and an attractive, fruit-driven finish. Drink this stupendous bargain over the next 6-12 months.”

Rhone Valley, France
Grenache Blanc
Clairette
Bourboulenc
Viognier

Cork
Yes
Yes

Download PDF Print Producer page Contact us