Domaine Arretxea - Irouléguy White - Schistes 2024
In the heart of the Basque Country, on the steep hillsides surrounding Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, 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 demanding vision of viticulture, based on respect for life and the pursuit of an authentic expression of the Pyrenean terroirs. Today, their sons Iban and Teo continue this family adventure, leading a vineyard of about twelve hectares cultivated organically and according to biodynamic principles. Planted on terraces and steep slopes, the vines benefit from a unique environment marked by the meeting of oceanic and mountainous influences. The geological diversity of the estate, where sandstone and schist notably coexist, has led the family to develop a particularly precise parcel-based approach. The Schistes cuvée was born from this desire to reveal the identity of a soil and its influence on the traditional white grape varieties of the Basque Country. It represents one of the estate's most ambitious expressions, combining the natural richness of Petit Manseng with remarkable tension and an aromatic depth characteristic of great mountain whites.
Schistes 2024 is made from a blend of 80% Petit Manseng and 20% Gros Manseng, coming from a parcel planted in 1994 on schist soils. Facing due south, this vineyard benefits from generous sunshine, favorable to the ripening of the grapes in an environment subject to the climatic influences of the Pyrenees. The schist, whose layered structure promotes drainage and vine rooting, contributes to the uniqueness of this cuvée and its balance between concentration and freshness. The largely predominant Petit Manseng brings its aromatic richness, intensity, and natural acidity, while the Gros Manseng completes the blend with its liveliness and citrus nuances. The harvest is done manually, with particular attention paid to the ripeness of the grapes. Fermentation and aging take place in 1,200-liter vats for ten months, allowing the wine to develop its body without excessive woody influence. An additional year of bottle aging precedes its marketing, gradually refining its structure and promoting the integration of its different components.
Schistes 2024 reveals an intense and complex aromatic expression, where exotic fruits, ripe citrus, and spices compose a particularly seductive bouquet. The nose evokes fresh mango, passion fruit, and lemon zest, accompanied by nuances of white flowers, ginger, and white pepper. The palate is distinguished by a broad, fleshy, and enveloping body, characteristic of Petit Manseng, immediately balanced by a lively and structuring acidity. This tension runs through the wine and gives it a remarkable sensation of energy, despite the natural generosity of the fruit. The mid-palate develops flavors of citrus, yellow fruits, and spices, while the finish, long and particularly saline, retains a persistent freshness. This alliance of power and precision makes Schistes a great gastronomic white, particularly suited to roasted turbot with beurre blanc, seared scallops, or farm-raised poultry with cream. It will also elegantly accompany seared foie gras or a refined Pyrenean sheep's cheese, balancing its richness with its liveliness. Still young, this wine has a good aging potential and can develop over the years nuances of dried fruits, beeswax, and spices, while retaining the tension that makes it unique.
Grape varieties: 80% Petit Manseng, 20% Gros Manseng
