Delas : Le Clos 2016

The richness and balance of a Crozes-Hermitage red wine by Delas

The estate

Founded in 1835, Delas Frères is a reference among the wines from the northern part of the Rhône Valley. Although its purchase by the Deutz Champagne House in 1977 marked the beginning of a new era, the international expansion of the house continued thanks to its acquisition in 1993 by the Rouzaud family, majority shareholders of the Louis Roederer group.

The vineyard

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 and ageing are carried out in a plot-by-plot manner.

The wine

The Clos 2016 by Delas is made exclusively during the finest years, from a rigorous selection of grapes from the Clos located on the Chassis plain within the Crozes-Hermitage appellation.

Vinification and ageing

The grapes are harvested at optimum maturity and vinified in open-top concrete vats after two days of cold pre-fermentation maceration. Fermentation in temperature-controlled vats (28 - 30°C) with daily punching down and pumping over for around ten days. The vatting period lasts around twenty days. The wine is aged for 10 to 14 months in one to three-year-old barrels, with regular racking to provide the necessary oxygen for the successful development of the tannins.

The blend

The 2016 Clos de Delas is a 100% Syrah.

Le Clos 2016 by Delas: Characteristics and tasting tips

The tasting

Colour

An intense ruby colour with garnet highlights.

Nose

The nose blends notes of stewed black fruit (blackcurrant, blackberry), leather and game meat.

Palate

Very fine, the palate is seduced with its roundness, its balance and its silky feel. The finish is persistent and gives off delicious aromas of very ripe black cherries.

Food and wine pairing

The Clos 2016 by Delas will complement waterfowl, an assortment of grilled meats or marinated meats or poultry.