Delas Côtes-du-Rhône Saint-Esprit 2018 (France)

Description

• Subtle oak
• Berry fruit & dark plum
• Violet & spices
• Delicate tannins

Its deep colour has a dark, plum-like hue. The nose is classically Syrah, with berry fruit, violet, liquorice, and spices. It has a full, rounded palate with delicate tannins. “Saint-Esprit” is a unique wine in the “Côtes-du-Rhône” appellation.

Sourced from a Mediterranean climate with a prevailing "Mistral" wind. This harsh wind, both necessary and beneficial to the vines' development, is caused by the difference between the Southern and Northern Rhône's atmospheric pressures. Highly seasonal rainfall, hot temperatures and abundant sunshine are also characteristic of this region.

All the grapes are de-stemmed and fermentation and maceration take place in closed vats for approximately 15 days. Daily pumping over ensures proper extraction. Fermentation temperature is controlled between 82°F and 86°F (28°C and 30°C). After de-vatting, pressing and racking, malolactic fermentation is carried out in stainless steel vats. Part of the wine (30%) is aged in oak barrels as to provide a “touch of wood" in the blend. The remaining is kept in vats to preserve fruit aromas. These wines are racked regularly in order to allow their components to stabilise naturally. The “Saint Esprit” cuvée is bottled after blending and lightly filtering.

Food Pairing: “Provençale” style cuisine, games, stuffings, mixed-grills.