Domaine Ilarria - Irouleguy Blanc 2023

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Producer	Domaine Ilarria
Country	France
Region	Southwest France
Subregion	Irouléguy
Varietal	White Blend
Vintage	2023
Sku	12017448
Size	750ml

  

Domaine Illaria has long been the benchmark producer in Irouléguy. This cuvée is a 60-40 blend of Petit Courbu and Petit Manseng. While their blanc is led by pleasant tropical aromas, the structure of this wine is has always been the star of the show. The texture is extremely mineral forward with a hefty, slightly oily feel that glides to a floral, slightly nutty and salty finish. Its richness is countered by delicate aromas, and it’s the perfect white wine for chilly nights.

One of Irouléguy’s longstanding producers is Peio Espil at Domaine Ilarria. In fact, until 1990, he was one of just 2 independent producers in the appellation. In this part of the Pyrénées, where the mountains begin to lose altitude as they weave their way toward the north of Spain, large domes of green grass cover the mounds—more so than snow that covers the granite peaks seen further east. It is a bucolic setting, with hundreds of sheep grazing the hills and where elongated white houses with red tile roofs dot the countryside.

Malolactic fermentation and aging on the lees in a mix of stainless steel and old oak barrels. Petit Manseng undergoes a brief skin contact maceration. Rich, complex notes of citrus & stone fruits, salty sea spray, nuts and dried herbs. Highest Recommendation

Irouleguy, a small appellation located in the Basque foothills of the Pyrenées in the extreme southwest corner of France, has long been dominated by the cooperative, producing 85% of the wine of the 175 hectare appellation. Over the past decade, a number of vingerons have left the co-op to produce their own wine. Today, there are 11 independent vignerons in Irouleguy. Domaine Ilarria has 10 hectares near the village of Irouleguy, less than 10 km from the border with Spain. The vines are mostly 20-40 years old, though some vines have reached 60 years of age. With most of the vineyards on very steep gradients of up to 60%, everything must be done by hand in these vineyards; Organic.