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Irouleguy Rouge Tradition, Domaine Arretxea 2023
Domaine Arretxea
Domaine Arretxea is a benchmark estate in the rugged Basque foothills of Irouléguy, founded by Thérèse and Michel Riouspeyrous in the late 1980s. The domaine is widely regarded as one of the driving forces behind the modern renaissance of the appellation, combining meticulous organic and biodynamic farming with a deep respect for steep, hand worked mountain vineyards. Terraces carved into iron rich, schist and sandstone soils are cultivated entirely by hand, with extreme attention to vine balance, low yields and soil vitality. The philosophy is centred on expressing the raw energy of this Atlantic influenced, mountainous terroir, where altitude, rainfall and exposure create a distinctly savoury and structured style of wine.
Irouléguy Rouge Tradition is a field blended red from steep hillside vineyards around the village of Irouléguy in the French Basque Country, where a mix of red and white clay, schist and sandstone soils shape wines of tension and aromatic depth. The vineyards are dominated by indigenous varieties including Tannat, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon, trained on terraces that require fully manual cultivation. Fermentation is carried out with indigenous yeasts, often using a combination of whole cluster and destemmed fruit to balance structure with aromatic lift. Élevage takes place in a mix of large neutral vats and older oak barrels, preserving clarity while allowing gentle integration. The wine shows a profile of dark cherry, blackberry and plum layered with graphite, spice, black pepper and a distinctive saline, earthy edge. The palate is firm and structured, with gripping but refined tannins, fresh acidity and a long, savoury finish that reflects the rugged Atlantic influenced terroir of Irouléguy.
Origin Irouléguy, Pyrénées Atlantiques, France
Grapes Tannat, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon
Vintage 2023
Alcohol 13.5%
Style Structured, savoury, mountain red
Bottle size 75cl
Winemaking Manual harvest from steep terraced vineyards, indigenous yeast fermentation with partial whole cluster inclusion, ageing in neutral vats and older oak barrels, minimal intervention
Notes Organic, Biodynamic