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.
Northerly soils are mainly over granite subsoils that follow on from those of the Hermitage hill. To the south, soils are both fluvialglacial alluviums, with terraces of rolled stones from the old river bed, mixed with loess.
Thevineyards have a southerly exposure and are influenced by the “Mistral” wind.
After hand harvesting, the grapes are brought to the winery in small boxes. Gentle pressing precedes low temperature 16 to 18°C (61 to 64°F) fermentation in closed tanks, in order to bring out the aromatic complexity of the two varieties, Marsanne and Roussanne.
After malolactic fermentation, the wine is racked and matured on its lees to help richness and structure to develop, while preserving its exceptional varietal characteristics. Bottling takes place around mid-April.
The colour is bright with a golden hue. The nose is expressive, with mainly floral aromas such as hawthorn, lemon verbena, linden, mingled with hints of exotic fruits, such as lychees and mangoes, together with citrus fruit. The palate is fresh and fruity, delightfully seductive.
An excellent partner to chicken with fruit (apricot, peach,...) or any type of rinded cheese.
Crozes-Hermitage AOC
80% Marsanne
20% Roussanne
Cork
Yes
No
