Domaine Arretxea, Irouleguy Rouge "Haitza", 2019
is backordered and will ship as soon as it is back in stock.
Domaine Arretxea is the benchmark producer in Irouléguy, the tiny AOP in French Basque country known for high-elevation vineyards and bold, soulful reds. Their top cuvée, “Haitza” (meaning oak in Basque), is a blend of Tannat and Cabernet Franc, farmed biodynamically and aged in barrel with minimal intervention.
The 2019 vintage brings a perfect balance of ripeness and energy: aromas of blackberry, dark cherry, cedar, wild herbs, and crushed rock lead into a powerful but well-proportioned palate. Tannins are firm but polished, acidity is vibrant, and the finish is long and savory with hints of smoke and spice.
This is a red with real backbone—built for age, but already compelling with grilled meats, roasted mushrooms, or aged cheeses. If you love the structure of Madiran or the wildness of Jura reds, Haitza offers a unique, terroir-driven experience you won’t find anywhere else.