Delas Crozes-Hermitage Domaine des Grands Chemins 2021

Located in Tournon-sur-Rhône, in the heart of this prestigious wine region, Delas is an emblematic Domaine that has reinvented itself while respecting tradition. This subtle marriage of modernity and heritage is reflected in the precision and elegance of the wines produced, particularly in flagship appellations such as Hermitage, Côte-Rôtie, Crozes-Hermitage and Saint-Joseph.

One of the pillars of Domaine Delas is the importance given to terroir. The region's soils, mainly granitic and schistose, bring a remarkable minerality to the wines, as well as a solid structure. The Mediterranean climate, influenced by the Mistral, favors optimal ripening of the grapes while preserving their freshness. Delas cultivates vines on steep, often terraced hillsides, making viticulture demanding but allowing the unique characteristics of each plot to be fully captured.

Domaine makes it a point of honor to vinify each plot separately, in order to respect the typicity of each terroir. The result is wines that faithfully reflect their geographical origin. Syrah reigns supreme in the northern crus, while Marsanne and Roussanne dominate the whites, particularly in Hermitage and Crozes-Hermitage. Syrah, the region's emblematic grape variety, expresses itself here with great purity, offering typical aromas of black fruits, pepper and violets, as well as smoky and spicy notes that become more complex with age.

Delas Frères takes a respectful, low-intervention approach to winemaking, allowing the grapes to express their full potential. Hand-picking, followed by long maceration for the reds, helps to Extra bring out both color and fine tannins. The latter, though present, are always elegant and well-integrated, giving the wines a silky texture. Fermentation often takes place in concrete or wooden vats, before barrel ageing, which can last from 12 to 18 months, depending on the cuvée. Barrel ageing, mostly in French oak, brings out subtle aromas of vanilla, toast and cedar, without ever overpowering the fruit.

The wines of Domaine Delas are distinguished by their precision, depth and ageing potential. Cuvées from Hermitage and Côte-Rôtie, in particular, are renowned for their concentration and complexity, while retaining a surprising freshness that balances the richness of the aromas. These wines often require a few years' ageing to reveal their full potential, with evolving notes of leather, truffle and mineral nuances developing over time.

Discerning wine-lovers will appreciate the diversity of Delas wines, from robust, powerful reds to racy, floral whites, all marked by minerality and purity. Top-of-the-range cuvées, such as "Hermitage Les Bessards" or "Côte-Rôtie Seigneur de Maugiron", are true benchmarks in their respective appellations, offering exceptional aromatic complexity and impressive cellaring capacity.

The Domaine Delas Frères perfectly embodies the classic, refined style of great Rhône Valley wines. Each cuvée is the reflection of a unique terroir, sublimated by ancestral know-how and a constant quest for perfection. From powerful, well-structured reds to fresh, elegant whites, Delas offers wines of character, capable of seducing even the most demanding connoisseurs with their balance, finesse and depth.