AOP Irouléguy

Irouleguy PDO in a few words

Discover our selection of organic and natural Irouleguy wines.

The AOP Irouléguy, located in the Basque country, is one of the smallest wine appellations in France, but it shines for the quality and unique character of its red, rosé and white wines. Set in the heart of the Atlantic Pyrenees, this vineyard is a true jewel of the Southwest, where viticulture is a challenge taken up with passion by committed winemakers.

Famous for its terraced vineyards on steep slopes, the appellation features local grape varieties such as Tannat, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, as well as Gros Manseng and Petit Manseng for the whites. These grape varieties give Irouléguy wines a strong identity, combining power, freshness and aromatic complexity.

With limited production and a growing focus on organic viticulture, Irouléguy's organic wines appeal to lovers of authentic, environmentally-friendly wines. Their typicity, freshness and harmony make them the perfect match for Basque cuisine or gourmet dishes.

The Irouléguy PDO is located in the Atlantic Pyrenees, in the heart of the Basque Country, on the steep slopes of the mountains surrounding Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port. The vineyards cover some 250 hectares, spread over 15 communes, making this one of the smallest appellations in France, but also one of the most remarkable. Irouléguy's terroir is marked by schistose and sandstone soils, rich in minerals, which give the wines great tension and freshness. The vines, often planted in terraces to adapt to the steep slopes, benefit from optimal sunshine, enhanced by a temperate mountain climate. The oceanic influence and proximity of the Pyrenees create ideal conditions for ripening grapes, while preserving their natural acidity. This unique combination of terroirs and microclimates enables the winemakers to produce organic Irouléguy wines that fully express their Basque character, combining power, finesse and freshness. The small vineyard area and difficult conditions reinforce the singularity of the appellation, where each bottle is the fruit of demanding and passionate work.

The Irouléguy PDO features traditional South-Western grape varieties, perfectly adapted to the region's climatic conditions and soils. These grape varieties, grown with care, give Irouléguy organic wines their typicity and aromatic richness.

For red and rosé wines:

Tannat: A grape variety emblematic of the appellation, it produces powerful red wines, rich in tannins, with aromas of black fruits, spices and sometimes licorice. Tannat is also appreciated for its ageing potential.

Cabernet Franc: This grape variety brings finesse and freshness to red and rosé wines, with notes of red fruit and a slight herbaceous touch.

Cabernet Sauvignon: Completes blends by adding structure and complexity, with aromas of blackcurrant, pepper and tobacco.

For white wines:

Gros Manseng: This grape variety offers lively, aromatic wines, with notes of citrus, exotic fruit and a beautiful minerality.

Petit Manseng: More concentrated, it produces rich, complex whites, with aromas of candied fruit, honey and white flowers.

Thanks to these grape varieties, Irouléguy's organic wines offer a varied palette of flavors, from structured reds to fresh, elegant whites and gourmet, fruity rosés.

The Irouléguy PDO is distinguished by the diversity of its wines, which come in reds, whites and rosés. Each style reflects the richness of the Basque terroir and the know-how of the winemakers.

Red wines:

Red wines represent the majority of the appellation's production. Made mainly from Tannat, often blended with Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon, they are characterized by a dark color, intense aromas of black fruits, licorice and spices, and an assertive tannic structure. These robust, complex wines improve with age, revealing evolved notes of leather and undergrowth. They are the perfect accompaniment to red meats, game or typical dishes such as veal axoa.

White wines:

Irouléguy whites, although in the minority, are highly appreciated for their freshness and aromatic intensity. Made from Gros Manseng and Petit Manseng grapes, they offer notes of citrus, exotic fruit and white flowers, with a lovely acidity that makes them particularly digestible. These wines go wonderfully well with fish, seafood or Basque ewe's milk cheese.

Rosé wines:

Irouléguy rosés are fresh and fruity, with aromas of red fruits like strawberry and redcurrant, accompanied by a touch of spice. They're perfect for summer meals or convivial aperitifs.

These three styles make Irouléguy's organic wines an excellent option for lovers of authentic wines with character.

Discover these wines of character by tasting the organic wines of domaine Arrextea, Domaine Illaria and also those of the young and dynamic domaine Bordaxuria.