Delas : Sainte Epine 2018

A powerful and refined Saint-Joseph wine

The estate

Founded in 1835, the Delas Frères estate is a fine reference in the Northern Rhône Valley. Although its acquisition by the Deutz Champagne House in 1977 marked the beginning of a new era, the international development of the house continued thanks to its acquisition in 1993 by the Rouzaud family, the largest shareholders of the Louis Roederer group.

Delas Frères watches over a vineyard that spreads over three exceptional appellations in the Rhône Valley: Crozes-Hermitage, Hermitage and Saint-Joseph. In order to enhance the expression of each of these terroirs, the vinification process and ageing period are carried out in a plot-by-plot manner.

The vineyard

Delas' 2018 Sainte Epine is a Saint-Joseph wine that stems from a rigorous selection of plots in the eponymous area. Enjoying a southern and south-eastern sun exposure in the heart of the appellation, the vineyards are planted on light schist and gneiss soils, resting on a granitic base.

Vinification and ageing

Harvested by hand at optimum maturity, the grapes undergo a pre-fermentation cold maceration for 3 days followed by a traditional vinification process in open-top concrete vats. Fermentation along with daily punching of the cap and pumping over for around ten days. Total vatting time is twenty days. Aged for 14 to 16 months in barrels (50% new, 50% one-year-old).

The blend

Syrah (100%)

Delas’ 2018 Sainte Epine: Characteristics and tasting tips

The tasting

Colour

This wine showcases a beautiful dark ruby colour with subtle purple highlights.

Nose

The nose blends fruity (black fruits) and spicy fragrances with mineral and delicately woody notes.

Palate

Pure and concentrated, the palate is seduced by this wine’s aromatic richness and complexity.

Food and wine pairing

This Rhône Valley red wine will complement game, beef marinated in a sauce, grilled meat or cheese.