Domaine Arretxea - Irouléguy White - Grès 2024
In the heart of the Basque Country, on the steep slopes overlooking the Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port valley, Domaine Arretxea has established itself as one of the major references of the Irouléguy vineyard. Founded in 1989 by Michel and Thérèse Riouspeyrous, it embodies a viticulture deeply committed to preserving landscapes, soil life, and the expression of Pyrenean grape varieties. Today, their sons Iban and Teo contribute to the development of this family estate, whose twelve hectares are cultivated organically and according to biodynamic principles. Planted on terraces and steep hillsides, the vines benefit from a unique environment, at the meeting point of oceanic and mountainous influences. The vineyard's geological diversity, notably combining sandstone, schist, and clay-limestone formations, has led the family to develop a particularly precise parcel-based approach. The Grès cuvée was born from this desire to isolate the most remarkable terroirs and reveal their influence on the expression of white grape varieties. It now represents one of the most accomplished interpretations of the great whites of Irouléguy, combining depth, freshness, and remarkable personality.
Grès 2024 is made from an equal blend of Petit Manseng and Gros Manseng, coming from parcels planted on red sandstone soils rich in iron oxides. Exposed to the west and southwest, these vines benefit from favorable sunlight for grape ripening while retaining the characteristic freshness of this mountain vineyard. The estate favors parcel and massal selections, helping to preserve plant diversity and the identity of its terroirs. The harvest is done manually, with particular attention paid to the maturity and balance of the two grape varieties. Fermentation and aging take place in 1,200-liter foudres for ten months, allowing the wine to develop its substance without excessive influence from the wood. An additional year of bottle aging precedes its marketing, gradually refining its structure and aromatic expression. This patient elaboration highlights the complementarity of the Mansengs: Gros Manseng brings liveliness and a lemony character, while Petit Manseng contributes breadth and complexity to the whole.
Grès 2024 stands out for its precise and delicate aromatic expression, dominated by fresh citrus, ripe lemon, and grapefruit, accompanied by hints of white flowers. Upon aeration, notes of white peach, citron zest, and fine spices enrich a bouquet whose intensity remains perfectly controlled. The palate combines generous substance with particularly lively acidity, a signature of great mountain whites made from Mansengs. The mid-palate reveals a broad and structured texture, crossed by a lemony freshness that brings energy and highlights the wine's precision. The finish, long and salivating, maintains a beautiful tension, extended by delicate citrus bitters and a persistent mineral impression. This gastronomic white will pair wonderfully with turbot with beurre blanc, roasted scallops, farm poultry with cream, or pan-seared foie gras. It will also find a particularly harmonious match with a slightly aged Pyrenean sheep's cheese. Its structure and liveliness give it a aging potential of seven to ten years, during which its aromatic palette may evolve towards notes of dried fruit, beeswax, and delicate honey.
Grape varieties: 50% Petit Manseng, 50% Gros Manseng
