Tasting notes and food pairings for this elegant, spicy Delas Frères Côtes-du-Rhône red at Madeleine on Beaufort, Perth.
Crafted by Delas Frères, a historic house with deep roots in the Rhône Valley, the 2023 Saint-Esprit Côtes-du-Rhône represents one of France's most reliable and charming red wines. A blend driven by Syrah alongside Grenache, it offers a refined yet deeply comforting taste of classic French winemaking that feels right at home on Beaufort Street.
In the glass, this wine displays a vibrant ruby colour with rich purple reflections. The nose opens with inviting aromas of ripe blackberries, dark plum, violets, and a signature lift of cracked black pepper. On the palate, it is medium to full-bodied, delivering plush fruit, supple tannins, and a delicate touch of dried wild herbs on a smooth, persistent finish.
The bright fruit and savoury undertones of this wine make it a versatile partner for rich French dining. It pairs beautifully with pan-seared duck breast with a dark cherry glaze, classic slow-braised beef bourguignon, or a succulently roasted rack of lamb infused with garlic and thyme. It is also an excellent companion to a platter of aged Comté and Saint-Nectaire cheese. Our team will be happy to suggest a match from the current menu or the seasonal degustation.
The grapes are sourced from selected vineyard sites across the Rhône Valley. In this region, stony, heat-retaining soils combined with the cooling influence of the famous Mistral wind create ideal conditions for ripening red grapes. The result is a wine that captures the generous sun of southern France alongside remarkable freshness.
The 2023 vintage delivered healthy, balanced fruit with rich aromatic profile and balanced natural acidity. In the cellar, Delas Frères prioritises fruit purity by fermenting the destemmed grapes in closed tanks with controlled temperatures. Gentle extraction and careful maturation in vats allow the fine tannins to soften while preserving the vibrant Syrah and Grenache flavours.
Côtes-du-Rhône AOC is the official regional classification covering the wine-producing areas along the Rhône River in southeastern France. It guarantees strict viticultural and winemaking standards while celebrating the classic terroir and traditional grape varieties of the region.
Would you like to taste this wine at Madeleine? Our wine list changes with the seasons, so please get in touch with our team to check our current stock. We will be happy to suggest the perfect pairing from our menu or seasonal degustation.
