Delas Côtes-du-Rhône Saint-Esprit 2017 (France)

Description

"This is crowd-pleasingly attractive; a lovely modern expression filled with dark fruit richness as well as seductive notes of thyme, spice and game. It is supple and smooth with succulent fruit intensity, leading to a lengthy flavoursome finish. At its best: now to 2022" Sam Kim, Wine Orbit, May 2019

Intense, dark ruby with a plum-like hue. The nose is classically Syrah, with berry fruit, violet and liquorice. It has a full, rounded palate with delicate tannins, making it unique in the Côtes-du-Rhône category.

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. The wines are kept in vats to preserve fruit aromas. They are racked regularly in order to allow their components to stabilize naturally. The "Saint Esprit" cuvée is bottled after eight months of ageing.

Food Pairing: "Provençale" style cuisine, stuffed tomatoes and aubergines, mixed grills and barbecues.