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.
The vineyard lies entirely on the commune of Cornas located on the right Rhône river bank. The soils are varied, with odd alluvium deposits on steep, shale slopes that are held up by dry stone walls.The climate is very sunny with south/southeast facing slopes.
All the grapes used in the “Chante-Perdrix” cuvée are picked by hand, plot by plot, at the time they reach their optimal maturity. The winemaking takes place in traditional, open-topped concrete tanks, after 3 days pre-fermentary skin contact at cool temperatures. The fermentation continues under computer controlled temperatures between 82°F to 86°F (28°C to 30°C). Daily cap pushing down and pumping over are carried out for about 10 days. The total vatting time can be up to 20 days.
This lasts for between 12 to 14 months in oak barrels. Regular racking brings enough oxygen to allow the tannins to mature.
The colour is an intense garnet red. In its youth, this wine has strong blackcurrant aromas. With time, the fruit aromas gradually fade, giving the way to hints of pepper and liquorice. The palate is structured and has the strongly-defined flavours that are typical from this “terroir”.
Mixed grills, wild mushrooms, game.
Decanter Magazine: 95 POINTS
Licquorice, tarragon and mineral black fruits. Full bodies, juicy and ripe with balancing acidty. lots of life and a lifted glint on the finish.
Robert Parker: 90-92 POINTS
A blend of several different parcels, vinified in concrete and aged primarily in oak. It´s dark and concentrated, although admittedly not the most muscular of Cornas. Blackcurrant and cedar notes combine along with peppery hints of Montreal smoked meat to yield a savoury impression. It´s all held together by fine-grained, dusty tannins, which leave a lingering soft texture on the long, licquorice-tinged finish. Already enjoyable, it should develop well for 10-12 years, or more!
Cornas AOC
100% Syrah
Cork
Yes
Yes