Delas Frères

Delas Frères – A Rhône Valley tradition of excellence since 1835

Domain name

Delas Frères

Wine region

Northern and southern Rhône Valley

Appellations and terroirs

Delas Frères cultivates a prestigious vineyard in the Rhône Valley, with parcels in Hermitage (10 ha), Saint-Joseph (2 ha), and Crozes-Hermitage (18 ha, notably the lieu-dit Les Chassis). The estate also collaborates with partner winemakers for appellations such as Côte-Rôtie, Condrieu, and Cornas. The terroirs vary from granite and mica-schist on the steep slopes of Hermitage, to schist and alluvial deposits in Crozes-Hermitage, and terraces of rolled pebbles in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. These soils, combined with a Mediterranean climate tempered by the proximity of the Rhône River, offer ideal conditions for exceptional viticulture.

Iconic grape varieties

Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre, Roussanne, Marsanne, Viognier

Philosophy and History

The story of Delas Frères began in 1835 with Charles Audibert and Philippe Delas, who purchased the Junique winery in Tournon-sur-Rhône, which they renamed "Audibert & Delas." In 1924, the Delas sons, Henri and Florentin, took over the business and renamed it "Delas Frères." They then expanded the wine trade and the family estate by acquiring vineyards in Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Hermitage. After the Second World War, Delas wines gained international recognition, being exported as early as 1952 to London, Brussels, Amsterdam, Geneva, and the United States. In 1960, Michel Delas, the third generation, continued the family's expansion and strengthened export markets.

In 1977, the Champagne House Deutz joined Delas Frères, bringing financial resources, expertise, and a commercial partnership. The production site was relocated to Saint-Jean-de-Muzols, at the foot of the Saint-Joseph vineyards. In 1993, integration into the Roederer group through the Rouzaud family allowed Delas to develop its quality and technical strategy, notably under the leadership of Fabrice Rosset and with the arrival of Jacques Grange as technical director in 1997, who revolutionized vineyard management and winemaking.

Production specifics

The estate prides itself on meticulously tending each plot. The painstaking reconstruction of the dry-stone walls on the steep slopes of Hermitage symbolizes this respect for the terroir. The harvest is entirely manual and the grapes are carefully sorted. Concrete vats, introduced to facilitate plot-by-plot vinification by gravity, allow for precise control of temperatures and extraction. The aging cellar, equipped with 600 Burgundy barrels from renowned coopers, guarantees controlled aging, revealing the fruit's character without altering it. Since 2006, the estate has strengthened its focus on estate wines, notably with "Domaine des Grands Chemins" in Crozes-Hermitage, reaffirming its commitment to on-site production.

Recognitions

Delas Frères wines enjoy solid and consistent acclaim. International critics regularly praise their flagship wines, notably the Hermitage "Les Bessards" and the Crozes-Hermitage "Domaine des Grands Chemins." High scores in Wine Advocate, Decanter, and La Revue du Vin de France confirm the estate's quality and consistency. The numerous awards and medals won at national and international competitions attest to the care taken at every stage of production. This recognition is also fueled by an innovative and rigorous approach to vineyard management and winemaking.

Environmental commitment and partnership

Delas Frères works closely with a selection of loyal partner winegrowers who share the same high standards of quality. Constant technical monitoring and a precise harvest schedule guarantee consistent grape quality. The estate demonstrates a strong commitment to the environment and respect for the soil, promoting biodiversity, limiting the use of pesticides, and employing appropriate tilling practices. The motto "placing People and Wine at the heart of the Terroir" perfectly illustrates this philosophy. Recent investments in technical facilities and the modernization of the winery support this responsible approach.

Why choose a wine from Delas Frères?

• A historic company with nearly 190 years of experience and innovation
• Exceptional terroirs between Hermitage, Crozes-Hermitage, Saint-Joseph and Châteauneuf-du-Pape
• Rigorous plot-by-plot viticulture and manual harvesting
• A modern winery that promotes precise winemaking and controlled aging.
• International recognition and a presence in the finest markets

Discover the Delas Frères collection and let yourself be seduced by the finesse, depth and balance of the great Rhône terroirs, enhanced by this legendary house.