Irouleguy Basque wines are seldom seen and are not well known outside of the Basque country in southwest France.
Located near St Jean Pied-de-Port (64 Pyrenees-Atlantiques. Nouvelle Aquitaine), one of the passes across the Pyrenees from France to Spain and hence on one of the many Routes de St Jean de Compostelle. It is one of the smallest wine appellations in France (250 hectares). The red wines are traditionally made from Tannat (as in Madiran) with Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, whilst the whites can be produced from Courbu, Petit Manseng and Gross Manseng grapes.
The reds in particular have in the past tended to be rather tannic and robust, but over time the wines are developingmore complexity, fruit character and elegance. One of the best producers is Domaine Arretxea in Irouléguy, but there is also a thriving co-operative cellar – la Cave d’Irouleguy
One of the better ways of discovering these Irouleguy Basque wines could be at the Fête du vin d’Irouléguy – the Irouléguy Wine Festival held annually on the second weekend of September – 10 September 2023 – see www.saintjeanpieddeport-paysbasque-tourisme.com
IROULEGUY RED WINES – are characterised by a certain aromatic richness and by an elegance due to a blend of different grape varieties. Their robustness, essentially inherited from the Tannat grape, gives them a good capacity to mature in the cellar. In general they go well with cuisine from the South West of France, with spicy dishes, with sauces, red meats and cheese.
IROULEGUY WHITE WINES – are characterised by a certain freshness and by their intense aromatic power.They have a balance and concentration which will please connoisseurs. They are particularly suited to fish and seafood products but may also accompany white meats and cheese.
IROULEGUY ROSÉ WINES – are very different from what one would find in other vineyards, they have a balance and concentration which means they accompany meals perfectly. They are well suited to charcuterie and sea food products. www.cave-irouleguy.com
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