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2014 Irouléguy Rouge “Cuvée Haitza”
Domaine ArretxeaMichel and Thérèse Riouspeyrous craft some of the most exciting, singular wines in France—wines that tell a story about a land and a people. Basque country, in the heart of the Pyrenees just miles from the Spanish border, feels drastically removed from the rest of France, thanks to its unique culture and landscape. Haitza, Arretxea’s top bottling of red from the steep mountain slopes of Irouléguy, features Tannat and some Cabernet Sauvignon, aged in barrel and built to last. Pitch-black in color with dense, earthy tannins and suggestions of wild forest berries and spice, this 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
Wine Type: | red |
Vintage: | 2014 |
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: | Organic, Biodynamic |
Farming: | Biodynamic (certified) |
Alcohol: | 12.5% |
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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.
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Kermit once said...
Kermit once said...
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