Delas

History of Maison Delas 

The Delas story begins in 1835, when Charles Audibert and Philippe Delas joined forces to take over the Maison Junique, a négociant firm 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 ties between the two families grew stronger 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 in 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 leading négociants in the Northern Rhône Valley.

In 1977, a partnership with the Champagne house Deutz brought a new impetus, 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, ushering in an era of renewal. Under the presidency 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 pursuit of excellence. With over 180 years of history, Delas embodies an exceptional winemaking heritage, to be discovered through its wines available for purchase.

Terroirs and Vineyards of Maison Delas 

Delas's reputation rests on its exceptional terroirs, concentrated in the Northern Rhône Valley. The house farms 30 hectares of vineyards, spread across 10 hectares in Hermitage, 2 hectares in Saint-Joseph and 18 hectares in Crozes-Hermitage. These plots, often located on steep, south-facing granitic hillsides, are ideal for Syrah (red wines) and the Marsanne, Roussanne and Viognier grape varieties (white wines). Farmed organically since 2013 (without certification), these vineyards reflect a deep respect for the environment.

In 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. In Crozes-Hermitage, the acquisition in 2006 of 18 hectares on the lieu-dit des Chassis gave birth to Domaine des Grands Chemins, a red wine that illustrates the mastery of estate grapes. The 2 hectares of Saint-Joseph, notably on Sainte-Épine, yield elegant red wines and delicate whites.

To enrich its range, Delas collaborates with local winegrowers in appellations such as Côte-Rôtie, Condrieu, Cornas, and selects grapes in 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, over 8 million euros have been invested to modernise the facilities, notably with a state-of-the-art 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 vats, ideal for isolating batches by terroir and regulating temperatures. Gravity-flow working avoids any aggressive pumping, and manual pigeage ensures a gentle extraction of tannins. Rackings are infrequent, sulphur levels are kept low, and the flagship cuvées are aged on fine lees before bottling without fining or filtration.

The ageing 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 favours 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 the greatest vintages from the 8 hectares of Les Bessards, on the Hermitage hill. With production limited to 6,000 bottles, it reveals a deep, brilliant red robe, an intense nose of black fruits (blackcurrant, blackberry) and violet, enhanced by spiced notes. On the palate, its dense tannic structure and concentrated fruitiness make it an exceptional wine for ageing, perfect for lovers of power and complexity.

Hermitage Rouge "Domaine des Tourettes": Produced from a blend of three prestigious terroirs (Les Bessards, L'Ermite, Le Sabot), this 100% Syrah yields around 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 lingering 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 above sea level. This 100% Syrah captivates with its granitic minerality, 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 cultivated 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 the greatest vintages (2,500 bottles maximum), this single-parcel cuvée of 100% Syrah comes from the lieu-dit La Landonne. Its intense robe with violet highlights precedes a complex nose of red fruits, liquorice and roasted notes. On the palate, its silky tannic structure and generosity promise a remarkable ageing potential.

Condrieu "Clos Boucher": Crafted from Viognier on a 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 benchmark 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 refined character, typical of the greatest 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 the greatest vintages, this 100% Syrah from the lieu-dit Le Clos offers a deep colour 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 is home to many other prestigious estates to explore. Discover the powerful cuvées of Alain Graillot, the authentic treasures of Bernard Faurie, or the acclaimed 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 own distinctive touch to these mythical appellations, promising an unforgettable tasting adventure in the Northern Rhône.

Delas is a house that, since 1835, has embodied the winemaking 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, modern winemaking techniques and a range of prestigious cuvées such as Les Bessards, La Landonne and Domaine des Grands Chemins, Delas offers wines that combine power, finesse and authenticity.