The Delas winery was founded in 1835. Fifty years later, it had built a global reputation and won its first gold medals. After World War II, the company invested heavily in vineyard acquisitions to meet the growing demand for wine. And with success.
The vineyard stretches from Chavanay in the north to Guilherand in the south, approximately fifty kilometers along the right bank of the Rhône River: it covers 23 communes in the Ardèche and three in the Loire. The soil here consists of light slate and gneiss over granite bedrock. The climate is temperate continental, with hot, dry summers and normal rainfall the rest of the year. This wine was renowned for its delicacy in the sixteenth century and was served at the table of the kings of France. It was the Jesuits (a monastic community) of Tournon who gave the area its current name in the seventeenth century. Between 1956 and 1969, all the vineyards in this area, formerly known as Côtes du Rhône, were regrouped and planted under the name Saint-Joseph.
The grapes are harvested by hand at the peak of ripeness. Fermentation takes place in open concrete vats and is entirely temperature-controlled. The temperature during fermentation ranges between 28 and 32 degrees Celsius. Approximately thirty percent of the Delas Saint Joseph is aged in oak barrels, the remainder in stainless steel to preserve the wine's full, fruity aromas. Full-bodied, well-balanced, and firm tannins, a true reflection of the terroir. A seductive aroma of red fruits such as raspberries, strawberries, and blackberries, with a hint of oak. Delicious with marinated or grilled beef, stews, mixed grills, game, and cheeses.
