Notify me
2021 Irouléguy Rouge
Maison Arretxea“Tannat from the Pyrenees can be as deep and structured as a Bordeaux. The natural smokiness of the wine complements the toasty, grassy flavors in the sheep’s milk cheese.” —Cassie Majidi
While modest in scale, Irouléguy’s vineyards are deeply tied in history. Production took off in the eleventh century, when monks engaged in large-scale planting to provide for thirsty pilgrims on the Way of St. James, which runs directly through this part of Basque country. The region has thus benefitted from a great deal of cultural exchange, as travelers passing through have left behind bits and pieces from civilizations near and far.
Perhaps this is how the Cabernet grape made its way to Irouléguy. In local red wines, Cabernets Sauvignon and Franc have come to supplement the native Tannat, giving a unique expression of the steep, mineral-rich slopes. While these are among the southernmost of France’s vineyards, the climate is relatively cool and humid, giving Irouléguy reds a certain delicacy.
In this bottling from Maison Arretxea, a passionate husband-wife team that grows grapes organically and biodynamically, you’ll find low alcohol and bright acidity balancing the earthy tannins and deep, dark color. The aroma evokes fresh little berries, spice, and forest floor. Imagine a red straddling the Loire, Médoc, and Madiran with Basque flair and a Pyrenean freshness. You’ll see that Irouléguy is in a world apart.
—Anthony Lynch
Wine Type: | red |
Vintage: | 2021 |
Bottle Size: | 750mL |
Blend: | 66% Tannat, 17 % Cabernet Franc, 17% Cabernet Sauvignon |
Appellation: | Irouléguy |
Country: | France |
Region: | Southwest |
Producer: | Maison Arretxea |
Winemaker: | Thérese & Michel Riouspeyrous |
Vineyard: | 7 to 15 years, 5 ha |
Soil: | Sandstone |
Aging: | Irouléguy is aged for 10 months on the lees in cement |
Farming: | Biodynamic (certified) |
Alcohol: | 12% |
More from this Producer or Region
2021 Cahors
France | Southwest
If nearby Bordeaux is the polished and urbane one in the family, Cahors is the sneakily sophisticated but humbler country cousin, loaded with personality you’ll enjoy getting to know.
2020 Irouléguy Rouge “Cuvée Haitza”
France | Southwest
A black wine made from steep inclines planted to Tannat and some Cabernet Sauvignon, it demands patience while its dense, mouth-coating tannins slowly release their clutching grip.
2022 Jurançon Sec “Comète”
France | Southwest
Comète emphasizes the nerve, concentration, and exotic perfume of Petit Manseng. Quantities extremely limited.
2022 Jurançon Sec “Météore”
France | Southwest
Expect notes of peach pulp, beeswax, almond, and stone, with a serious emphasis on the stone.
2021 Cahors HALF BOTTLE
France | Southwest
A red perennially punches way above its weight, both in the immediate pleasure it delivers and the way it evolves in the bottle over time.
2021 Irouléguy Blanc “Hegoxuri”
France | Southwest
Any lover of whites from Chablis or the Loire should try this white made of Gros Manseng, Petit Manseng, and Petit Courbu.
About The Producer
Maison Arretxea
About The Region
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.
More from Southwest or France
2020 Irouléguy Rouge “Cuvée Haitza”
Domaine Arretxea France | Southwest
2022 Reuilly Pinot Gris Rosé
Domaine de Reuilly France | Loire
2021 Cahors
Clos La Coutale France | Southwest
2022 Jurançon Sec “Comète”
Clos Larrouyat France | Southwest
2016 Vin de France Blanc “Général de la Révolution”
Domaine Comte Abbatucci France | Corsica
2021 Cahors HALF BOTTLE
Clos La Coutale France | Southwest
2022 Chablis 1er Cru “Fourchaume”
Roland Lavantureux France | Burgundy
2021 Irouléguy Blanc “Hegoxuri”
Domaine Arretxea France | Southwest
Cap de Creus “Ranci Sec”
Domaine La Tour Vieille France | Languedoc-Roussillon
2020 Patrimonio Rouge “E Croce”
Yves Leccia France | Corsica
2020 Chinon “Le Clos Guillot”
Bernard Baudry France | Loire
2022 Jurançon Sec “Météore”
Clos Larrouyat France | Southwest
2020 Irouléguy Rouge “Cuvée Haitza”
Domaine Arretxea France | Southwest
2022 Reuilly Pinot Gris Rosé
Domaine de Reuilly France | Loire
2021 Cahors
Clos La Coutale France | Southwest
2022 Jurançon Sec “Comète”
Clos Larrouyat France | Southwest
2016 Vin de France Blanc “Général de la Révolution”
Domaine Comte Abbatucci France | Corsica
2021 Cahors HALF BOTTLE
Clos La Coutale France | Southwest
2022 Chablis 1er Cru “Fourchaume”
Roland Lavantureux France | Burgundy
2021 Irouléguy Blanc “Hegoxuri”
Domaine Arretxea France | Southwest
Cap de Creus “Ranci Sec”
Domaine La Tour Vieille France | Languedoc-Roussillon
2020 Patrimonio Rouge “E Croce”
Yves Leccia France | Corsica
2020 Chinon “Le Clos Guillot”
Bernard Baudry France | Loire
2022 Jurançon Sec “Météore”
Clos Larrouyat France | Southwest
Kermit once said...
Kermit once said...
When buying red Burgundy, I think we should remember:
1. Big wines do not age better than light wine.
2. A so-called great vintage at the outset does not guarantee a great vintage for the duration.
3. A so-called off vintage at the outset does not mean the wines do not have a brilliant future ahead of them.
4. Red Burgundy should not taste like Guigal Côte-Rôtie, even if most wine writers wish it would.
5. Don’t follow leaders; watch yer parking meters.
Inspiring Thirst, page 174