Domaine Arretxea - Irouléguy White - Hegoxuri 2024
In the heart of the Basque Country, on the steep slopes of Irouléguy, Domaine Arretxea has established itself as one of the essential references for great wines from the Southwest. Founded in 1989 by Michel and Thérèse Riouspeyrous, the estate was born from a desire to revive a historic vineyard, long overshadowed by the major French wine regions. Today, accompanied by their sons Iban and Teo, the founders continue a demanding approach based on understanding the terroirs, respecting life, and seeking an authentic expression of Basque grape varieties. The vineyard, cultivated organically since its inception and following biodynamic principles since 1998, occupies terraces and slopes at the foot of Mount Jara. The soils, particularly complex, combine sandstone, schist, and ancient geological formations that give the wines a unique personality. Hegoxuri, whose name means "white of the south" in Basque, is the emblematic cuvée of the estate's whites, brilliantly revealing the potential of the indigenous grape varieties of this mountainous region. It embodies an ambitious vision of Irouléguy white, where the natural richness of the fruit is accompanied by remarkable freshness and depth.
Hegoxuri 2024 is based on a blend of 60% Gros Manseng, 20% Petit Manseng, and 20% Petit Courbu, coming from two distinct parcels, one planted on schist and the other on sandstone. This geological complementarity plays a crucial role in the wine's balance, combining the generosity of the material with a particularly expressive mineral tension. Part of the vineyard comes from massal selections, intended to preserve the genetic diversity and identity of local grape varieties. The grapes are hand-harvested, with careful selection of their maturity and health status. Fermentations and aging take place in 600-liter demi-muids and 1,200-liter foudres over about ten months. These large-capacity containers allow the development of the wine's texture and complexity while limiting the aromatic influence of the wood. This vinification supports the natural richness of the Mansengs without masking the freshness and finesse brought by the Petit Courbu, resulting in a dry white wine with great personality.
Hegoxuri 2024 reveals a generous and nuanced aromatic expression, where ripe white fruits, yellow peach, and quince meet delicate notes of honey and white flowers. Upon aeration, nuances of candied citrus, stone fruits, and fine spices enrich a particularly seductive bouquet. The palate is distinguished by a broad and tender texture, supported by precise acidity that brings relief to the natural richness of the blend. Gros Manseng contributes to structure and volume, while Petit Manseng enhances the aromatic intensity and liveliness of the whole. Petit Courbu completes this harmony with its delicacy and fine texture. The finish, long and salivating, maintains beautiful freshness, extended by citrus sensations and a subtle mineral dimension. Particularly gastronomic, this great Basque white will accompany roasted turbot, scallops, farm poultry in sauce, or a Pyrenean sheep's cheese, but also pan-seared foie gras. Its structure and balance will allow it to gain complexity over the coming years, gradually developing notes of dried fruits, beeswax, and delicate honey.
Grape varieties: 60% Gros Manseng, 20% Petit Manseng, 20% Petit Courbu
