Delas : Chante-Perdrix 2022

Characteristics and Tasting Tips for Delas Chante-Perdrix 2022

Tasting

Colour

The colour is an intense garnet, dense and brilliant, with almost dark highlights, typical of well-extracted Cornas wines.

Nose

The nose is complex and generous, blending ripe dark fruit aromas, such as blackcurrant and blackberry, with a floral note of violet. A mineral touch of graphite and liquorice adds depth, while subtle smoky nuances, reminiscent of mocha, complete this rich bouquet.

Palate

On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and well-structured, driven by firm yet ripe tannins that give it a fine framework. Freshness and precision balance the concentration of the fruit, leading to a long, flavourful finish that promises a bright future in bottle.

Food and Wine Pairings

This Cornas pairs ideally with grilled or sauced red meats, feathered or furred game, as well as mature cheeses, which can match the richness and tannic structure of the wine.

Serving and Cellaring

Chante-Perdrix 2022 can be enjoyed now, but its structure allows it to improve until around 2037.

A Cornas from Maison Delas, Shaped by Syrah and Granite

The Estate

Maison Delas was founded in 1835 in Tournon-sur-Rhône under the name Maison Junique, before being taken over by the Delas and Audibert families in 1870, then renamed Delas Frères in 1924. Now based in Tain-l'Hermitage, in the heart of the northern Rhône Valley, the Maison belongs to the Louis Roederer group. It farms around 30 hectares of vines spread across Hermitage, Crozes-Hermitage and Saint-Joseph, supplemented by long-term partnerships with local winegrowers. Technical direction is overseen by Jacques Grange, cellar master, alongside oenologist Marco Beckmann.

The Vineyard

The vines used for the Chante-Perdrix cuvée are planted in the commune of Cornas, in the northern Rhône, on steep south-facing slopes that promote optimal ripening of Syrah. Coming from the lieux-dits Champrose, Reynards and Saint-Pierre, the plots sit on granitic soils characteristic of the appellation and benefit from the influence of altitude, which brings freshness and tension to the grapes. The steep gradient of the slopes means the vines must be worked entirely by hand.

The Vintage

The 2022 vintage was characterised by pronounced drought and early ripening in the vineyard. Despite these hot, dry conditions, the grapes reached an excellent sanitary state, retaining intensity and freshness. The Champrose and Reynards plots were among the first to be harvested, while Saint-Pierre, picked later, helped complete the balance of the cuvée.

Winemaking and Ageing

The grapes for Chante-Perdrix 2022 are hand-harvested, plot by plot, then taken to the winery for a short cold pre-fermentation maceration, intended to preserve aromatic freshness. Fermentation takes place in open concrete vats at controlled temperature, with daily pump-overs and punch-downs for around ten days. Part of the harvest, vinified as whole bunches, brings structure and spicy complexity to the wine. Ageing then continues in oak barrels, with regular rackings refining the texture of the tannins before bottling.

Grape Variety

100% Syrah, the only grape variety of the Cornas appellation.