Strong, complex and wonderfully balanced: Delas Frères is not only one of the best-known wine producers in the Rhône, but also captures the power and potential of the region in a unique way in its wines. The name has become an ambassador for the Côtes du Rhône throughout the world.At first glance, you might think you are in the Middle Rhine Valley, as the landscape in the northern Rhône Valley is reminiscent of its German neighbour: terraced vineyards rise up on both sides of the river. But if you take a closer look, you realise that the valley is more expansive here, the climate is sunnier and the subsoil is mostly granite. These are advantageous conditions that the Delas Frères estate, located around 90 kilometres south of Lyon, has known how to exploit for more than 180 years to cultivate its wines with passion and ambition. The winery has a long history.
Over generations, the business has developed and grown to its current 30 hectares in prime locations. However, the last representative of the family - Michele Delas - was not a winemaker by conviction, and so in 1977 he sold the estate to his good friend André Lallier, who also owned the Deutz champagne house. In 1990, Delas Frères and Champagne Deutz came into the hands of the Rouzaud family, who own many wine estates in the region. The passion and philosophy of producing outstanding quality wines remained unchanged from then on - and what's more, they were given a new impetus under cellar master Jacques Grange, who looks to the future with confidence and courage.
This latest chapter in the winery's history is something of a rebirth. Jacques Grange has set to work with great passion to unite two important aspects: the craft and the terroir. Because when the two go hand in hand, wines full of character can be created that speak unmistakably for their origin. Grange introduced oenological equipment that is specially adapted to the vineyards and local conditions. In the wine cellars, the old stainless steel tanks have been replaced by small 85 litre concrete vats, which ensure the separation of the grape lots according to terroir and enable better temperature control. All work is carried out according to the principle of gravity, so that the grapes can be handled gently and neither must, mash nor young wine need to be pumped. The old barrels also had to make way and were replaced by 600 high-quality Burgundy barrels, which support the wines in their maturation without overpowering the flavours with too much wood. Many small yet significant adjustments such as these have led to the Delas Frères wines achieving new fame. Cellar master Jacques Grange is convinced that the production of wine is comparable to the work of a great chef, who first looks for the good ingredients in his dishes and then skilfully prepares and refines them with the utmost care.
The good "ingredients" of the wines - the grapes - are grown in the Hermitage, Côte-Rôtie, Crozes-Hermitage, Cornas and Saint-Joseph appellations: Syrah as the red grape variety and Viognier and Marsanne as the white varieties. This triumvirate forms the basis for wines that invite you to take an enjoyable stroll through the Côtes du Rhône growing region. Wines that are as complex as the terraces on which the grapes ripen, as accessible and inviting as the wide valley and as exciting as the history of the vineyard itself.
We cordially invite you to discover this great winery and the 2021 Crozes-Hermitage "Les Launes" at our German-speaking wein.plus:club online tasting 'Rote Verführung' in September 2023. The places available for wine professionals and private wine fans are very limited.
You can also order this wine via the online shops listed at wein.plus:find+buy.