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 Hermitage Domaine des Tourettes is the first wine to be produced by Delas Freres exclusively from the 8.5 hectares that are farmed on the famous hill that overlooks the town of Tain. This cuvée is a blend of wines from three separate plots: l’Ermite, le Sabot and the famous terroir named Les Bessards. This wine replaced the Marquise de la Tourette cuvée starting with the 2009 vintage.
The soils are a combination of granite with alluvial quaternary delta deposits, and Pliocene marl. This diversity explains the numerous names given to vineyard plots within the appellation: Bessards, Greffi eux, Méal, Roucoule, Beaumes, etc. The vineyards are south-facing and are protected from the north winds. The slopes are well exposed to the sun. The estate’s vineyards are all harvested by hand when the grapes achieve optimal maturity.
Vinification takes place in traditional, open-topped concrete tanks following two days of skin contact at cool temperatures. Maceration continues at controlled temperatures between 82°F and 86°F (28°C and 30°C). Cap punching and pumping over take place daily for about 10 days. The total fermentation/maceration period is about 20 days. After devatting and pressing the skins, maturation is done in French oak barrels. On each vintage, the notes of wood are the result of precise and variable proportion between new barrels and barrels which have already held one wine, and it is adapted according to each vintage tannic and tasting characteristics.
The 2021 vintage of Hermitage in the Rhône Valley was marked by a cooler and more challenging growing season compared to recent years. Spring frosts and a wet early summer reduced yields, but the cooler temperatures allowed for a longer ripening period, resulting in wines of elegance and precision. The grapes harvested in 2021 produced wines with fresh acidity, moderate alcohol levels, and a focus on red and dark berry flavours, complemented by floral notes and fine tannins. While not as opulent as previous vintages, 2021 Hermitage is praised for its balance, purity, and classic expression of the terroir.
2021 Domaine des Tourettes Hermitage showcases a deep ruby color with a complex nose of red and dark berries, violets, and subtle spices. On the palate, it’s medium to full-bodied, with fresh acidity, fine tannins, and a long, mineral-driven finish. Elegant and balanced, it reflects the finesse of the vintage with excellent aging potential.
Pair this wine with rare or medium-cooked games, marinated meats and spicy stews. We recommend opening this bottle between one and three hours before drinking.
Hermitage AOC, France
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