Domaine Arretxea - Dolia Rouge 2024
Dolia Rouge 2024 from Domaine Arretxea offers a bright and contemporary interpretation of Irouléguy, where the depth of Tannat combines with a very smooth texture. The shiny ruby color already hints at a concentrated wine but without heaviness. The nose opens with a precise spicy bouquet, blending paprika, sweet pepper, fine pepper, and a hint of licorice, complemented by notes of ripe red and black fruits. Blackberry, strawberry, and blackcurrant are found, carried by a very clear aromatic freshness. The palate, juicy and enveloping, offers immediate roundness, with crisp fruit supported by a tangy framework that keeps the wine perfectly digestible. The finish, indulgent and mouthwatering, extends the soft spices and ripe fruit with great clarity. This is an Irouléguy red that combines a strong Basque identity with immediate accessibility.
The uniqueness of Dolia Rouge 2024 lies in its complete vinification in 400-liter terracotta jars, created in collaboration with the Goicoechea pottery in Ossès. Maceration, fermentation, and aging thus take place over six to eight months in these porous containers, which ensure fine micro-oxygenation without any woody imprint. The wine gains in texture precision, with melted, perfectly polished tannins, and a dense but silky touch. This aging method highlights the purity of the fruit and aromatic freshness while maintaining a broad and generous mid-palate. The estate’s organic and biodynamic viticulture adds an extra dimension of energy and clarity, where the terroir of red sandstone and basaltic slopes expresses itself frankly. Dolia thus presents itself as an avant-garde cuvée, technical in its conception but very evident in tasting.
At the table, Dolia Rouge 2024 proves particularly versatile, with a gourmand and spicy style that pairs well with bold cuisines. Its freshness and smooth tannins make it a natural companion to Basque charcuterie, grilled white or red meats, roasted poultry, and aged sheep’s milk cheeses. Its supple but serious structure also allows it to engage with flavorful plant-based dishes, around roasted vegetables, dishes with mild spices, or seasonal gratins. Served slightly chilled around 15 to 16 °C, it fully expresses its fruit brightness, spicy framework, and velvety texture. It can be enjoyed in its early years for its juicy and refreshing side, while offering a small aging potential of about five years that will develop additional nuances of black fruits, dried herbs, and spices. This is a serious pleasure red, both innovative and deeply faithful to the soul of Arretxea and Irouléguy.
Grape varieties: Tannat, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon
