France: Delas

Delas was founded over 160 years ago in the northern Rhône Valley in France. Having been acquired by Champagne Deutz in 1977, Delas is a study in coexistence between traditional and modern approaches to winemaking, embracing its own long history and the rebirth that has come with the Champagne Deutz influence.

Under the guidance of winemaker Jacques Grange, Delas combines state-of-the-art equipment and meticulous attention to detail to produce wines that are complex yet economical. The winery’s vineyards can be found on the steep, scenic slopes of the northern Rhône, and are part of some of the region’s most prominent appellations.

Delas combines a rich and extensive history with new, streamlined methods of winemaking to maximize both quality and value.

Delas grows grapes on 30 hectares of vineyards. Here, freshly harvested red grapes arrive for sorting.

Prior to fermentation, a press is used only for white grapes. The white grapes are pressed with their skins, seeds, and stems.

The winery recently acquired new, French-produced, stainless steel fermentation tanks for red wine. The tops of these tanks have 4 modules that can move as one unit, or be punched down separately.

Our tour guide, Bruno, explains to Michelle that 2 of Delas' white wines - Hermitage and Clos-Boucher - are fermented and aged in oak barrels. Delas is careful in its selection of oak barrels, believing that the oak should only enhance the expression of the terrior, not overpower the wines.

A newly restructured aging cellar is among the many improvements that Delas has made, in an effort to remain at the forefront of French winemaking.

In an effort to save time, unlabeled bottles are stored under plastic covering so that they do not need to be dusted prior to labeling.

The labeling and box-packing machines are located in the same room.

40% of Delas' production remains in France.

The warehouse stores the final product before shipment. Delas exports 60% of its production, with the U.S. and Canada being major recipients.

Recent vintages from the vineyards of Hermitage, Crozes-Hermitage, Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Côte Rôtie, Condrieu, Côtes-du-Rhône and Côtes-du-Ventoux have won international recognition.

The sleek minimalism of the tasting room decor is a reflection of the winery's commitment to sophistication and efficiency.

Jeremy and Bruno, after the tasting.

Steep granite slopes are characteristic of the vineyards, many of which can be seen from the winery.

Delas produces its wines using grapes from its own vineyards, as well as grapes from parter growers who share Delas' commitment to using only top-quality fruit.

Newly harvested red grapes arrive for sorting.

Newly harvested grapes are ready to be de-stemmed.

Winemaker Jacques Grange stops by to oversee the sorting and de-stemming of the newly harvested grapes.

Under the guidance of winemaker Jacques Grange, pictured here with Jeremy, Delas has flourished.