# Côtes-du-Rhône "Saint-Esprit" Rouge (2024)

- **Producer:** Delas Frères
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Grenache, Syrah, Marselan, Mourvèdre, Carignan
- **Region:** Rhône, France
- **Style:** Classic
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** blackberry, raspberry, violet, liquorice, black pepper, vanilla, cloves

## About this wine

Saint-Esprit is a signature red blend from Delas Frères, a historic Rhône Valley producer established in 1835. This cuvée is meticulously crafted to showcase the art of blending, drawing from the finest terroirs of the Côtes-du-Rhône appellation. The aim is to achieve a harmonious balance between aromatic richness and freshness, ensuring a consistent and distinctive identity each year. The 2024 vintage was particularly challenging, marked by record rainfall and historically low yields, yet the crucial summer mistral wind helped salvage the harvest, which commenced in early September under optimal conditions.

## Interesting facts

- Delas Frères, the producer, has been crafting wines in the Rhône Valley since 1835.
- The 2024 vintage faced record rainfall, resulting in historically low wine volumes.
- The summer mistral wind played a vital role in saving the challenging 2024 harvest.
- "Saint-Esprit" is a signature cuvée, embodying generations of blending expertise.

## Food pairing

This Côtes-du-Rhône "Saint-Esprit" is a full-bodied red with delicate tannins and vibrant berry fruit notes, complemented by hints of violet and licorice. Its structure and aromatic intensity make it an excellent match for rich, savory dishes. The wine's fruitiness can balance the richness of red meats and game, while its subtle spice notes harmonize with earthy flavors like mushrooms and herbs. Dishes with some fat content will soften the delicate tannins, enhancing the overall tasting experience.

## Wine making process

The 2024 vintage grapes for "Saint-Esprit" were fully destemmed. Vinification involved daily pump-overs with strict temperature control to manage extraction, balancing fruit, structure, and freshness. The wine undergoes a minimum of 12 months of aging. The majority is aged in stainless steel tanks to preserve its vibrant aromatic intensity and fruit purity. However, more structured lots are carefully selected and aged in oak, which contributes finesse, complexity, and depth to the final blend, enhancing its overall character.