Delas

History of Maison Delas 

The story of Delas begins in 1835, when Charles Audibert and Philippe Delas joined forces to take over Maison Junique, a négociant company based in Tournon-sur-Rhône. Renamed Audibert et Delas, this company marked the beginning of a family saga that would shape the Rhône wine landscape. The bonds between the two families tightened when Philippe's sons, Henri and Florentin Delas, married Audibert daughters, consolidating a lasting alliance. In 1924, the two brothers renamed the company Delas, laying the foundations of a brand synonymous with quality and elegance.

Under their leadership, the house prospered, notably through the acquisition of vineyards in Châteauneuf-du-Pape and the expansion of plots at Hermitage. After the Second World War, Delas wines conquered international markets, being exported as early as 1952 to London, Brussels, Geneva and the United States. In 1960, Michel Delas, of the third generation, took the helm of the company, strengthening its position among the leaders of the wine trade in the northern Rhône Valley.

In 1977, a partnership with the champagne house Deutz brought new momentum, with a transfer of the production site to Saint-Jean-de-Muzols, at the foot of the Saint-Joseph vineyard. In 1993, the Rouzaud family, majority shareholder of Louis Roederer, acquired Delas and Deutz, opening an era of renewal. Under the chairmanship of Fabrice Rosset from 1996, and with the arrival of oenologist Jacques Grange in 1997, the house invested in its infrastructure and refined its techniques. In 2023, Marc Hoellinger succeeded Fabrice Rosset, continuing this quest for excellence. With more than 180 years of history, Delas embodies an exceptional viticultural heritage, to be discovered through its wines available for purchase.

Terroirs and Vineyards of Maison Delas 

The renown of Delas rests on its exceptional terroirs, concentrated in the northern Rhône Valley. The house operates 30 hectares of vineyards, divided between 10 hectares at Hermitage, 2 hectares at Saint-Joseph and 18 hectares at Crozes-Hermitage. These plots, often situated on steep south-facing granitic hillsides, are ideal for Syrah (red wines) and the Marsanne, Roussanne and Viognier grape varieties (white wines). Cultivated using organic farming since 2013 (without certification), these vineyards reflect a deep respect for the environment.

At Hermitage, the 10 hectares include 8 hectares on Les Bessards and 2 hectares on L'Ermite, two mythical terroirs on the Hermitage hill, renowned for their granitic soils producing powerful red wines and rich whites. At Crozes-Hermitage, the acquisition in 2006 of 18 hectares on the lieu-dit des Chassis gave birth to the Domaine des Grands Chemins, a red wine that illustrates the mastery of estate-grown grapes. The 2 hectares of Saint-Joseph, particularly on Sainte-Épine, yield elegant red wines and delicate whites.

To enrich its range, Delas collaborates with local growers in appellations such as Côte-Rôtie, Condrieu, Cornas, and selects grapes from the southern Rhône (Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Gigondas). These partnerships, built on trust and strict quality criteria, guarantee an authentic expression of the terroirs. The dry-stone walls, rebuilt by hand, bear witness to the house's commitment to preserving this unique heritage.

Winemaking at Maison Delas 

Winemaking at Delas is an alchemy between heritage and innovation, orchestrated by Jacques Grange since 1997, with the support of Claire Darnaud-McKerrow until 2021. Their motto, "placing man and wine at the heart of the terroir", guides every step. Since the 1990s, more than 8 million euros have been invested to modernize the facilities, notably with an ultra-modern vat room in Tain-l'Hermitage, inaugurated in 2020.

The grapes, 100% destemmed, undergo cold maceration to preserve their aromas, before fermentation in 85 hl concrete tanks, ideal for isolating batches by terroir and regulating temperatures. Gravity-flow work avoids any aggressive pumping, and manual punch-downs ensure a gentle extraction of tannins. Rackings are rare, sulphur levels are reduced, and the flagship cuvées are aged on fine lees before bottling without fining or filtration.

The aging cellar, renovated in 1996, houses 600 Burgundy barrels from prestigious coopers (François, Seguin Moreau). With a strict rule of not exceeding 40% new wood, Delas favors the expression of fruit and terroir, offering fine and balanced wines, available for purchase at the best price.

The Cuvées of Maison Delas 

The Delas range is an ode to the Rhône terroirs, with cuvées that captivate through their diversity and excellence. Here is a detailed presentation of each iconic wine:

Hermitage Rouge "Les Bessards": A true jewel of the house, this 100% Syrah wine is produced only in great vintages from the 8 hectares of Les Bessards, on the Hermitage hill. With production limited to 6,000 bottles, it reveals a deep and brilliant red robe, an intense nose of black fruits (blackcurrant, blackberry) and violet, enhanced by spicy notes. On the palate, its dense tannic structure and concentrated fruitiness make it an exceptional wine for aging, perfect for lovers of power and complexity.

Hermitage Rouge "Domaine des Tourettes": Crafted from the blend of three prestigious terroirs (Les Bessards, L'Ermite, Le Sabot), this 100% Syrah is produced at up to 30,000 bottles per year. Its deep red robe heralds a powerful nose of black fruits, spices and leather. The palate, firm yet silky, offers a velvety texture and a persistent finish, embodying the elegance and richness of Hermitage.

Hermitage Rouge "Ligne de Crête": A rare single-parcel cuvée (1,800 to 2,000 bottles), crafted from the Grandes Vignes plot, perched at 325 metres altitude. This 100% Syrah captivates with its granitic minerality, its subtle aromas of dark berries (blackberry, redcurrant), flowers and liquorice, and an elegant palate with melted tannins. A wine of rare finesse, ideal for collectors.

Hermitage Blanc: Born from Marsanne and Roussanne grapes grown on the granitic slopes of Hermitage, this white wine offers a floral palette (jasmine, acacia) and rich notes of ripe fruits (pear, apricot). Its ample texture and slightly mineral finish make it a perfect companion for gastronomic dishes.

Côte-Rôtie "La Landonne": Produced in great vintages (2,500 bottles maximum), this single-parcel 100% Syrah cuvée comes from the lieu-dit La Landonne. Its intense robe with violet reflections precedes a complex nose of red fruits, liquorice and roasted notes. On the palate, its silky tannic structure and generosity promise remarkable aging potential.

Condrieu "Clos Boucher": Crafted from Viognier on a due-south-facing plot near Château Grillet, this white wine (6,000 bottles max) shines with its delicate aromas of peach, apricot and white flowers. Its unctuous texture and perfect balance make it a reference among Condrieu wines.

Saint-Joseph Rouge "Sainte-Épine": From the lieu-dit Sainte-Épine in Saint-Jean-de-Muzols (4,000 bottles), this 100% Syrah cuvée displays a deep ruby robe and a nose of black fruits, spices and mineral notes. Its concentration and purity on the palate reveal a masculine and distinguished character, typical of the great Saint-Josephs.

Saint-Joseph Blanc "Sainte-Épine": Relaunched in 2014, this confidential cuvée (limited production) captivates with its freshness and floral and fruity aromas, carried by Marsanne and Roussanne. A refined white wine, perfect to accompany seafood or poultry.

Crozes-Hermitage Rouge "Le Clos": Produced at 3,000 bottles in great vintages, this 100% Syrah from the lieu-dit Le Clos offers a deep color and aromas of stewed fruits (black cherry, plum) with coppery nuances. Its balanced structure and typicity make it a remarkable terroir wine.

Crozes-Hermitage Rouge "Domaine des Grands Chemins": From the 18 hectares acquired in 2006 on the lieu-dit des Chassis, this 100% Syrah wine combines an elegant tannic structure with complex aromas of red and black fruits, with a touch of freshness on the finish. A faithful expression of the potential of Crozes-Hermitage.

These cuvées embody the diversity and exceptional mastery of Delas in the art of sublimating the Rhône terroirs.

Are you captivated by the exceptional wines of Delas Frères in Hermitage and Côte-Rôtie? The northern Rhône Valley abounds with other prestigious estates to explore. Discover the powerful cuvées of Alain Graillot, the authentic treasures of Bernard Faurie, or the recognized excellence of Chapoutier and Jean-Louis Chave. Immerse yourself in the refined world of Guigal, Jaboulet, or Jamet, and let yourself be tempted by the unique creations of Emmanuel Darnaud, Jean-Louis Grippat, Thierry Allemand, Gangloff, and Gérin. Each estate brings its distinctive touch to these mythical appellations, promising an unforgettable taste adventure in the northern Rhône.

Delas is a house that, since 1835, has embodied the viticultural excellence of the Rhône Valley. From its family origins to its rise under the aegis of Louis Roederer, it has preserved its heritage while reinventing itself. With its 30 hectares of exceptional vineyards, its modern winemaking techniques and a range of prestigious cuvées such as Les Bessards, La Landonne or Domaine des Grands Chemins, Delas offers wines combining power, finesse and authenticity.