Arretxea In Irouléguy
by Chris Santini
Oh, how far Irouléguy, the hidden gem of French Basque country, has come! Once upon a time, not so long ago, a local joke went something like this: “How do you say vinegar in Basque? Irouléguy!” Vines covered hardly any ground, and you could count the growers on a single hand. Enter the Riouspeyrous family in 1989 and their ambitious project of Domaine Arretxea, to revive what they knew was an ancient tradition of making wines unlike any other from these steep slopes, as strong in character as the local culture and as unique and mysterious as the Basque language itself. Today, the hills of Irouléguy are alive and busy with vines and growers, the wines revered and allocated and fought over, thanks in large part to the vision and labor of our favorite Basque estate. Merci beaucoup, or rather, Milesker anitz, Arretxea!
2022 Irouléguy Blanc “Hegoxuri”
France | Southwest
Ever stay up at night wondering what a Petit Courbu blended with Gros and Petit Manseng tastes like? Me neither! It’s wild honey on the nose with hints of smoke, with ripe fruit and a touch of salt on the palate, full bodied yet fully refreshing all at once. Now you know!
2021 Irouléguy Rouge “Cuvée Haitza”
France | Southwest
Hello darkness, my old friend…We’re talking inky black and purple hue here, so dark you’d think it’d stain your glass, not to mention your teeth. But surprise, surprise, it’s not the brooding beast you expect it to be, but is rather chock-full of peppy acidity, bursting with fruit while being deliciously and devilishly drinkable! Rustic and jovial all at once.