Domaine Arretxea - Irouléguy - Tradition 2024
The Tradition 2024 vintage from Domaine Arretxea faithfully embodies the spirit of Irouléguy, blending the strength of the Pyrenean terroir with the finesse of a carefully mastered blend. The deep red color announces a vibrant wine, dominated at first nose by aromas of fresh red fruits, cherry and raspberry, quickly joined by wild blackberry and a hint of redcurrant. In the background, notes of sweet spices, Espelette pepper, violet, and a slightly smoky touch reminiscent of the vineyard's basalt slopes reveal themselves. On the palate, it is immediate, juicy, supported by a lively freshness that structures the whole. The tannins, upright but perfectly ripe, outline a precise and energetic texture. The finish, long and clean, stretches out with accents of mountain herbs, licorice, and small red fruits, offering a harmonious and very clear style.
Upon aeration, Tradition 2024 gains complexity and reveals nuances of Basque garrigue, pepper, bay leaf, and dried flowers. The blend of Tannat, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon finds a subtle balance here: power, tension, and aromatic expression come together in a wine that is both deep and easy to drink. The gentle vinification, without excessive extraction, highlights the purity of the fruit, while the measured aging in tanks and large barrels brings precision and balance without marking the texture. The palate, more velvety over time, retains a fresh backbone that gives momentum and verticality. The wine breathes the sincerity of the estate, committed to organic and biodynamic viticulture, where the pursuit of precision and grape integrity takes precedence over any form of masking. Tradition 2024 thus expresses a fine stylistic maturity, delicately translating the mineral and wild character of Irouléguy.
At the table, Tradition 2024 offers a gourmet versatility, capable of accompanying a wide variety of dishes from the Southwest and beyond. It pairs wonderfully with veal axoa, Aldudes lamb, roasted poultry, grilled pork ribs, or lightly spiced cuisine. Its freshness and controlled tannin grain also make it a perfect companion for characterful plant-based dishes: roasted vegetables, mushrooms, gratins, or herb-infused dishes. Delicious now thanks to its vibrant fruit and digestible structure, it will nevertheless gain complexity over three to five years, developing notes of undergrowth, dried herbs, and ripe black fruits. It is an identity-rich red, precise and vibrant, that accurately embodies the soul of Arretxea and the wild beauty of Irouléguy.
Grape varieties: Tannat, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon
