Francois de Tournon
⏳ wine.drinking_window
Typically best enjoyed 3–10 years from the vintage release.
🍽️ wine.food_pairings
Roasted leg of lamb, grilled ribeye steak, wild mushroom stew
✨ wine.spec_sheet
Delas Frères' Saint-Joseph 'François de Tournon' is a masterful tribute to the historical figure Cardinal François de Tournon, who famously introduced the wines of this steep, granite-soiled region to the French royal court of King Francis I in the 16th century. Crafted entirely from Syrah, this cuvée is sourced from select hillside vineyards in the southern sector of the Saint-Joseph appellation, particularly around the communes of Mauves, Tournon, and St-Jean-de-Muzols. The vines cling to steep, south and south-east facing granite terraces that demand manual cultivation. After traditional fermentation in open concrete tanks, the wine is aged in French oak barrels for approximately 10 to 14 months. This careful upbringing yields a wine of deep ruby color, characterized by aromas of dark berries, cracked black pepper, and delicate violet notes, underpinned by a distinct mineral backbone and fine-grained tannins.
🍾 wine.about_producer
Founded in 1835 by Charles Audibert and Philippe Delas in the heart of the Rhône Valley, Delas Frères is a historic house renowned for its masterful expression of Northern and Southern Rhône terroirs. Now under the ownership of the Champagne Louis Roederer group, the estate combines traditional craftsmanship with modern precision, highlighted by their state-of-the-art winery in Tain-l'Hermitage. Delas is celebrated for its exceptional, terroir-driven wines, particularly its iconic Hermitage, Côte-Rôtie, and Condrieu cuvées, including acclaimed single-vineyard expressions like Clos Boucher and La Landonne.