Notify me
2015 Irouléguy Rouge “Cuvée Haitza”
Domaine ArretxeaWelcome 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
Wine Type: | red |
Vintage: | 2015 |
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) |
Production: | 3300 cases |
Alcohol: | 12% |
More from this Producer or Region
2022 Jurançon Sec “Météore”
France | Southwest
Expect notes of peach pulp, beeswax, almond, and stone, with a serious emphasis on the stone.
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.
2022 Jurançon Sec “Comète”
France | Southwest
Comète emphasizes the nerve, concentration, and exotic perfume of Petit Manseng. Quantities extremely limited.
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.
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.
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
2022 Jurançon Sec “Comète”
Clos Larrouyat France | Southwest
2022 Bandol Blanc
Domaine de Terrebrune France | Provence
2021 Irouléguy Blanc “Hegoxuri”
Domaine Arretxea France | Southwest
2021 Cahors
Clos La Coutale France | Southwest
2019 Riesling “Le Berceau, lieu dit Pflanzer”
Domaine Ostertag France | Alsace
NV Blanc de Blancs Brut 1er Cru HALF BOTTLE
Veuve Fourny & Fils France | Champagne
2021 Bourgueil “Franc de Pied”
Catherine & Pierre Breton France | Loire
2019 Pinot Gris Grand Cru “Eichberg Trois Châteaux”
Kuentz-Bas France | Alsace
2017 Gewurztraminer Grand Cru Sélection de Grains Nobles “Kaefferkopf” 500ml
Meyer-Fonné France | Alsace
2020 Irouléguy Rouge “Cuvée Haitza”
Domaine Arretxea France | Southwest
2022 Jurançon Sec “Météore”
Clos Larrouyat France | Southwest
2018 Corse Calvi Rouge “E Prove”
Domaine Maestracci France | Corsica
2022 Jurançon Sec “Comète”
Clos Larrouyat France | Southwest
2022 Bandol Blanc
Domaine de Terrebrune France | Provence
2021 Irouléguy Blanc “Hegoxuri”
Domaine Arretxea France | Southwest
2021 Cahors
Clos La Coutale France | Southwest
2019 Riesling “Le Berceau, lieu dit Pflanzer”
Domaine Ostertag France | Alsace
NV Blanc de Blancs Brut 1er Cru HALF BOTTLE
Veuve Fourny & Fils France | Champagne
2021 Bourgueil “Franc de Pied”
Catherine & Pierre Breton France | Loire
2019 Pinot Gris Grand Cru “Eichberg Trois Châteaux”
Kuentz-Bas France | Alsace
2017 Gewurztraminer Grand Cru Sélection de Grains Nobles “Kaefferkopf” 500ml
Meyer-Fonné France | Alsace
2020 Irouléguy Rouge “Cuvée Haitza”
Domaine Arretxea France | Southwest
2022 Jurançon Sec “Météore”
Clos Larrouyat France | Southwest
2018 Corse Calvi Rouge “E Prove”
Domaine Maestracci France | Corsica
Kermit once said...
Kermit once said...
Great winemakers, great terroirs, there is never any hurry. And I no longer buy into this idea of “peak” maturity. Great winemakers, great terroirs, their wines offer different pleasures at different ages.
Inspiring Thirst, page 312