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Delas Frères opens new winery in Tain-l’Hermitage
story by Eric Marsh / photos by S. Chapuis
The 274 blocks of stone that make up the wall sculpture at Delas Frères new state-of-the-art facility in southeastern France, mimics the sinuous ripples of the famous Hermitage hill it sits at the foot of. The building, designed by architect Carl Fredrik Svenstedt, received an honorable mention at Architecture MasterPrize 2019 Architecture Awards. The contemporary structure, made of “noble” materials—stone, glass, and steel—,reimagines what a winery can look like.
Delas Frères will celebrate its 185th anniversary this year. Founded in Tournon-sur-Rhône in 1835, then acquired by Deutz Champagne House in 1977, the brand and has long been one of Rhône Valley’s most recognized producers. It saw a major push in momentum in the late 1990s after Fabrice Rosset took over as CEO, and over the past two decades more than $33 million dollars has been invested into the company. That investment can be seen in its new aging cellars in Saint-Jean-de-Muzols, the rebuilding of the drystone support walls on the Hermitage hills, the replacement of 7,000 vines, and now in this architectural marvel.[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”11109″][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”2/3″][vc_single_image image=”11107″][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_column_text]The former Delas family residence, now referred to as The Reception House, is connected to the new building. Its interior—contemporary in its own manner—includes two lounges, a dining room, and eleven bedrooms designated for the use of Delas’ guests, partners, and customers.[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”11102″][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”11103″][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_column_text]“We are delighted to have been able to make the most of this unique property, now practically an icon thanks to its history and its rebirth within the world of fine Rhône Valley wine,” said Rosset. “This will be the facility where we will be able to receive devotees of the brand and Rhône Valley wine enthusiasts, in style.”
Tours of the property culminate at the reception cellars, which are dedicated to giving wine novices and wine lovers a chance to try, as well as purchase, the Delas Frères range of wines representing the finest Rhône Valley terroirs.[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”11104″][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”2/3″][vc_single_image image=”11105″][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_column_text]The winemaking facilities, cellars, visitor center, and Reception House are open from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and from 1:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Address: 40, Rue Jules Nadi, Tain-l’Hermitage, France. delas.com[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
