Delas Frères is an estate based in the northern Rhône Valley, particularly known for its Syrah-based wines from the Hermitage, Côte-Rôtie and Crozes-Hermitages appellations.

The Delas family have been involved in the production of wine in the Rhône Valley since 1835, taking the current name in 1924. The wines have been received well throughout the 20th century, and in 1977, joined forces with Champagne Deutz. In 1993, both were acquired by the Rouzaud family, owners of Louis Roederer.

Today, the company has vineyards around the northern Rhône, the most notable being Domaine des Tourettes in Hermitage. This estate covers a steep, granitic part of the Hermitage hill, including the famous Les Bressades vineyard.

En el valle del Ródano se produce vino desde hace más de 500 años, y algunos de sus viñedos figuran entre los más antiguos de Francia. El Syrah domina el sur con una mezcla de uvas mediterráneas, mientras que en el norte, las dos estrellas son el Hermitage -cultivado en una imponente ladera de granito sobre la ciudad de Tain y que es mejor guardar en el fondo de la bodega durante una década- y el Côte-Rôtie, una denominación estrella que se hizo famosa gracias a los vinos monovarietales de Guigal, pero que también alberga a docenas de excelentes productores aún menos conocidos. Las escarpadas laderas que dan al río tienen que aterrazarse para hacer posible la producción.

St Joseph y Cornas también proporcionan vinos de peso y valor, pero la mejor fuente de buena relación calidad-precio es Crozes-Hermitage, una denominación satélite que ha cobrado vida en los últimos años con la llegada de sangre joven.

El valle del río se ensancha al sur de Valence en la región de Côtes du Rhône, en las ventosas llanuras aluviales y en las laderas más bajas de las colinas. Es una vista imponente durante los fríos y despejados cielos azules del Mistral. Los mejores pueblos vinícolas de Côtes du Rhône han sido promocionados a sus propias denominaciones (Vinsobres, Vacqueyras), cercanas en calidad a las más conocidas Gigondas.

El rey del Ródano meridional es Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Aquí, los galets roulés, rocas redondeadas del antiguo lecho del río, proporcionan el contexto para unos vinos tintos gloriosamente ricos que desprenden el aroma del calor y las hierbas del sur, y que se ven realzados por la complejidad que aporta la mezcla de varias variedades de uva. Se permiten trece en total, pero la garnacha suele dominar, junto con la syrah y la mourvèdre como apoyo. Una buena añada necesita de ocho a diez años de guarda para obtener los mejores resultados.

Si su gusto se inclina por vinos blancos con más cuerpo, más ricos y relativamente exóticos, quizá le convenga más un Hermitage blanco o un Châteauneuf-du-Pape del valle del Ródano, o bien un Condrieu, sede de la uva Viognier, maravillosamente perfumado y embriagador.

Chateauneuf-du-Pape is a wine appellation located in the southern Rhone Valley of France. The history of this region dates back to the 14th century when Pope Clement V moved the papal court from Rome to Avignon. The papacy had a significant influence on the wine production in the region, and it was during this time that the vineyards of Chateauneuf-du-Pape were established.

The style of production in Chateauneuf-du-Pape is unique and is characterized by the use of a variety of grape varieties. The appellation allows for up to 18 different grape varieties to be used in the production of its wines. The most commonly used grape varieties are Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvedre. The wines produced in Chateauneuf-du-Pape are known for their complexity, depth, and richness.

The vineyards of Chateauneuf-du-Pape are located on a plateau that is covered with large stones, which help to retain heat and reflect it back onto the vines. This unique terroir, combined with the Mediterranean climate, creates ideal growing conditions for the grapes. The vines are grown using traditional methods, and the grapes are hand-harvested to ensure the highest quality.

The wines produced in Chateauneuf-du-Pape are typically full-bodied and rich, with a deep ruby colour. They are known for their complex aromas of dark fruit, spices, and herbs. The tannins in these wines are firm but well-integrated, providing structure and balance. The wines are aged in oak barrels, which adds a subtle vanilla and spice flavour to the wine.

The most common wine produced in Chateauneuf-du-Pape is the red wine, which accounts for around 95% of the production. The white wine produced in the region is made from a blend of Grenache Blanc, Roussanne, and Clairette grapes. The white wines are typically full-bodied and rich, with flavours of honey, apricot, and citrus.

In conclusion, Chateauneuf-du-Pape is a unique wine appellation that produces some of the most complex and rich wines in the world. The combination of the unique terroir, traditional methods of production, and the use of a variety of grape varieties creates wines that are truly exceptional. If you are looking for a wine that is full-bodied, rich, and complex, then Chateauneuf-du-Pape is the perfect choice.