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Irouleguy Blanc Gres, Domaine Arretxea
Domaine Arretxea
Domaine Arretxea was founded in 1989 by Michel Riouspeyrous and his wife Thérèse in the heart of the Irouléguy appellation. Michel, a native Basque, and Thérèse, originally from Alsace, established the domaine after returning from time spent abroad, beginning with just two hectares of rented vines. From the outset, their focus was on restoring and elevating the historic vineyards of the region through meticulous farming and low intervention winemaking. Since 1993, the estate has eliminated synthetic chemicals, pesticides and herbicides, moving first into certified organic viticulture and then adopting biodynamic principles, which they continue to follow in practice though without formal certification. The estate sits in a protected mountainous amphitheatre, shielded from harsh Atlantic and northerly winds, where a favourable microclimate and warm autumn conditions support full and balanced ripening.
The vineyards are planted on iron rich micaceous red sandstone soils, known locally as grès, with a west to south west exposure that captures late afternoon sun. The blend is typically composed of Gros Manseng and Petit Manseng, grown on steep terraced slopes that require full manual cultivation. Fermentation is spontaneous with indigenous yeasts, carried out in large neutral 1200 litre barrels, with each parcel vinified separately to preserve site definition. The wine then matures on fine lees for an extended period in the same vessels, building texture and complexity without the influence of new oak. Aromatically it is expressive and layered, showing quince, peach, apricot and pineapple alongside floral lift and subtle herbal tones. The palate is broad yet finely balanced, combining ripe stone fruit richness with a distinctive saline backbone and a long, poised finish that reflects both the mountain terroir and Atlantic influence of Irouléguy.
Origin Irouléguy, Pyrénées Atlantiques, France
Grapes Gros Manseng, Petit Manseng
Vintage 2021 / 2023
Alcohol 14.0%
Style Aromatic, textured, saline white
Bottle size 75cl
Winemaking Manual harvest, parcel by parcel vinification, spontaneous fermentation with indigenous yeasts in 1200 litre barrels, extended lees ageing, no sulphur additions
Notes Organic, Biodynamic, Natural