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2021 Irouléguy Rouge “Cuvée Haitza”
Maison Arretxea
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.
—Chris Santini
| Wine Type: | red |
| Vintage: | 2021 |
| 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) |
| 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...
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