# Côtes du Rhône Saint-Esprit (2022)

- **Producer:** Delas Frères
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Grenache, Syrah
- **Region:** Rhône, France
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 13.5%
- **Average price:** €18
- **Contains sulphites:** No
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** violet, black cherry, raspberry, strawberry, red plum, blackberry, vanilla, liquorice, cloves, hazelnut

## About this wine

The Delas Côtes du Rhône Saint-Esprit 2022 is a red wine from the Côtes du Rhône AOC in France's Rhône Valley. It is primarily a blend of Grenache and Syrah. Delas Frères, founded in 1835, is a historic producer in the region. Since 1996, the estate has focused on quality enhancement through meticulous vineyard sourcing and preserving the authentic character of each appellation. The Rhône Valley's Mediterranean climate, characterized by hot summers, sunshine, and the Mistral wind, is conducive to grape ripening. The 2022 vintage is noted for being richly fruited and inviting, offering good harmony and a warm mouthfeel.

## Interesting facts

- Delas Frères has a winemaking legacy dating back to 1835.
- The 'Mistral' wind plays a crucial role in the Rhône Valley's viticulture.
- This wine is a blend of two iconic Rhône varietals: Grenache and Syrah.
- The appellation Côtes du Rhône is one of the largest in the Southern Rhône.

## Food pairing

The wine's medium-plus body and fine-grained tannins complement the richness of proteins like lamb and beef, while its fruit-forward character harmonizes with herbs and Mediterranean spices. The wine's freshness can cut through richer dishes, making it versatile.

## Wine making process

The winemaking process for the Delas Côtes du Rhône Saint-Esprit 2022 begins with the destemming of the entire crop. Fermentation and maceration are carried out in closed vats for about 15 days, with daily pumping over for extraction. Fermentation temperatures are maintained between 28°C and 30°C. After pressing and racking, malolactic fermentation is completed in stainless steel vats. Aging involves a combination of barrel and tank maturation, with wines being racked regularly for natural stabilization. Some aging occurs in stainless steel tanks to maintain fruit definition.