The producer
Founded in 1835, Delas Freres’ modern history starts in 1977 when it was acquired by Champagne Deutz. In 1993, Deutz was acquired by Champagne Louis Roederer, who still today are the owners of Delas Freres. The domaine today has around 10 hectares of vineyards on the Hermitage hill and vineyard work has been fully organic since 2017, although not certified to date.
Delas Freres produce wines from various northern Rhone appellations, including Cote Rotie, St. Joseph, Cornas, Crozes-Hermitage and of course, Hermitage.
Les Bessards is the flagship Hermitage, with grapes coming only from the steep granite hillsides of this single vineyard. Fruit is 100% destemmed and the wine age on average for about 18 months in French barrique. A red Hermitage which delivers excellent value for money is their Domaine des Tourettes Hermitage.
The domaine today has around 10 hectares of vineyards on the Hermitage hill and vineyard work has been fully organic since 2017, although not certified to date. Delas’ Hermitage Blanc – named ‘Domaine des Tourettes’ from the 2009 vintage onwards – is made from grapes grown in the vineyards of L’Ermite, Le Sabot, and La Tourette.
The wine
Les Bessards is the flagship Hermitage, with grapes coming only from the steep granite hillsides of this 8-hectare single vineyard. Produced for the first time in the excellent 1990 vintage and since then only in exceptional vintages, fruit is 100% destemmed and the wine ages on average for about 18 months in French barrique. A wine of concentrated blackberry fruit intensity with complexing purple flowers and spice, Les Bessards has a rich tannic structure yet is finely balanced by lively acidity and soft texture. Production of each vintage is limited to 6,000 bottles.