Known as Domaine Marquise de la Tourette until 2008, Domaine des Tourettes is the first wine to be produced by Delas Frères exclusively from the 24 acres that are farmed on the famous hill that overlooks the town of Tain. This cuvée is a blend of wines from 5 acres of Les Grandes Vignes lieu-dit, located at the top of the hill, and 17 acres in the Les Bessards lieu-dit.

Domaine des Tourettes combines the influences of this exceptionally potent terroir, bringing together pure granite with splinters of decomposed rocks and the richer, deeper alluvial deposits. 

The soils are a combination of granite with alluvial quaternary delta deposits, and Pliocene marl. The vineyards are south-facing and are protected from the north winds. The slopes are well exposed to the sun. The estate’s vineyards are all harvested by hand when the grapes achieve optimal maturity. Vinification takes place in traditional, open-topped concrete tanks following two days of skin contact at cool temperatures. Maceration continues at controlled temperatures between 82°F and 86°F. Cap punching and pumping over take place daily for about 10 days. The total fermentation and maceration period is about 20 days. After devatting and pressing the skins, maturation is carried out in French oak barrels (one quarter of which are new) for 18 months and an additional two months in stainless vats. 

In each vintage, the notes of wood are the result of precise and variable proportion between new barrels and barrels which have already held one wine, and it is adapted according to each vintage tannic and tasting characteristics.

The nose is very fragrant, with accents of smoke and notes of gunflint and ink, which, only after a few minutes in the glass, give way to notes of candied black fruit, violet, licorice and a hint of olive and spice. The palate, meanwhile, is marked by intense flavors of cherry, blueberry and fruitcake, sharpened by a spicy touch of pepper. This is a bold, powerful wine with a serious tannic structure structure that frames a long, penetrating finish.

Pair this wine with rare or medium-cooked games, marinated meats and spicy stews. We recommend opening this bottle between one and three hours before drinking.