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2018 Irouléguy Rouge “Cuvée Haitza”

Domaine Arretxea
Discount Eligible $53.00
SOLD OUT

Welcome to Basque country, where Michel and Thérèse Riouspeyrous of Domaine Arretxea biodynamically farm Irouléguy’s steep mountain slopes just miles from the Spanish border. There is a lot of wine here: Tannat and a touch of Cabernet Sauvignon give a powerful beast built for the long haul, yet delightfully balanced at only 12% alcohol. Pitch-black in color with dense, earthy tannins and suggestions of wild forest berries and spice, their Haitza bottling is the Pyrenees’ answer to Clape’s Cornas and Tempier’s Cabassaou. And old vintages—you can’t help but think, “Why didn’t I put down more of this one?”

Anthony Lynch


Technical Information
Wine Type: red
Vintage: 2018
Bottle Size: 750mL
Blend: 70% Tannat, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon
Appellation: Irouléguy
Country: France
Region: Southwest
Producer: Maison Arretxea
Winemaker: Thérese & Michel Riouspeyrous
Vineyard: 20 years, 2 ha
Soil: Sandstone
Aging: Aged for 16 months on the lees in foudre and 400 to 600-L demi-muid
Farming: Biodynamic (certified)
Production: 3300 cases
Alcohol: 12.5%

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About The Region

Southwest

map of Southwest

Tucked away beneath Bordeaux and buffeted by the Pyrenees to the south, this expansive region of France, commonly known as the Southwest, is home to a diverse number of viticulture and gastronomic traditions as well as cultures. Though Cahors might be the most well known (and easiest to pronounce) appellation from the Southwest, the importance and influence of French Basque culture cannot be underestimated. Irouléguy, the primary appellation of the Basque region of France produces full-bodied, hearty red wines, produced from Tannat grape (known for its tannic qualities). Dry whites from Irouléguy are also produced from Petit and Gros Manseng. Northeast of Irouléguy is the sweet wine-producing appellation of Jurançon. These moelleux wines made from Petit and Gros Manseng have a storied history in France, from being the first wine region to have a vineyard classification, which dates back to the 154th century, to being preferred wine of royalty dating back to the 16th century as well as the French poet Colette.

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Old wine bottles

Let the brett nerds retire into protective bubbles, and whenever they thirst for wine it can be passed in to them through a sterile filter. Those of us on the outside can continue to enjoy complex, natural, living wines.

Inspiring Thirst, page 236