Bordatto Estate

The Domaine Bordatto is now one of the Basque country's emblematic producers whose wines are attracting the attention of discerning wine lovers and specialist wine merchants looking for authentic, organic cuvées deeply rooted in their terroir. Located in Jaxu, in the immediate vicinity of Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, Domaine Bordatto is the embodiment of an artisanal and committed viticulture, faithful to the Basque identity and a peasant approach to wine. Through deliberately limited and rigorously managed production, Domaine Bordatto offers wines of character, sought after for their sincerity, balance and strong personality.

Founded in 2001 by Pascale and Bixintxo Aphaule, Domaine Bordatto was born of a life project as much as a wine project. The very name of the estate, which means "small farm" in Basque, reflects this desire to build a human-scale operation, where the vines are part of a coherent agricultural whole, respectful of the soil and natural balance. Domaine Bordatto is not a standardized wine estate: each wine offered reflects a precise location, a vintage, and a way of working that prioritizes quality over volume.

The Domaine Bordatto vineyard is located on the hillsides of the inland Basque country, in a demanding mountainous environment marked by oceanic influence and proximity to the Pyrenees. The soils, composed of clay, schist and limestone, offer ideal conditions for producing wines with freshness, structure and clear aromatic expression. Domaine Bordatto's parcels are cultivated using certified organic farming methods, without synthetic herbicides or pesticides, with careful tillage and deliberately limited yields.

The grapes are harvested by hand, to ensure rigorous selection and preserve their integrity. In the cellar, Domaine Bordatto vinifications are carried out with a minimum of intervention. Fermentations are carried out with indigenous yeasts, without artificial correction, and ageing is designed to accompany the wine without masking the expression of fruit or terroir. This approach enables Domaine Bordatto to offer lively, precise and readable wines, particularly appreciated by lovers of organic and terroir wines.

The wines of Domaine Bordatto, available from specialist wine merchants such as Ardoneo, fall mainly within the Irouléguy appellation, one of the most confidential and identifying appellations in the South-West. Red wines make up the heart of production, and aptly express the character of the Basque country. They stand out for their balance between structure and freshness, their aromatic depth and their natural ability to accompany gastronomy.

Among Domaine Bordatto's most sought-after cuvées, the Luruméa takes center stage. This red wine from the Basque country develops intense aromas of ripe red fruits, spices and slightly wild notes, typical of the Irouléguy terroir. On the palate, the wine is structured yet controlled, with ripe tannins and a persistent finish that retains a beautiful freshness. Luruméa is a wine that will appeal to both discerning wine lovers and consumers wishing to discover Domaine Bordatto wines for the first time.

Other Domaine Bordatto wines explore complementary registers, always in a spirit of coherence and readability. Some cuvées privilege a more immediate expression of fruit, ideal for convivial tasting, while others offer a depth and complexity destined for ageing. This diversity enables Domaine Bordatto to cater to different wine-lover profiles, while retaining a strong stylistic identity.

Bordatto is more than just a wine.

Beyond wine, Domaine Bordatto is part of a global agricultural approach. The estate also includes organically farmed apple orchards, enabling the production of artisanal ciders that complement the estate's offering. This integrated approach to farming enhances biodiversity and illustrates Domaine Bordatto's commitment to sustainable agriculture that respects local traditions and the Basque landscape.

The wines of Domaine Bordatto naturally find their place at the table. Their freshness, balance and measured structure make them excellent partners for traditional Basque cuisine, grilled meats, spicy dishes, but also for more contemporary gastronomy. These are wines that prioritize drinkability without forgoing depth, which explains their growing presence on restaurant menus and at independent wine shops.

Today, Domaine Bordatto is recognized as one of the leading producers in the Basque vineyards, appreciated for the consistency of its work, the consistent quality of its wines and its uncompromising organic commitment. Selected by discerning wine merchants, Domaine Bordatto is aimed at connoisseurs looking for authentic wines, far from industrial standards, and eager to discover or rediscover the wine-making potential of the Basque country.

Buying a wine from Domaine Bordatto means choosing a wine with character, from a singular terroir, worked with rigor and respect. It also means supporting an artisanal viticulture that is deeply rooted in its territory. Domaine Bordatto is therefore a sure bet for anyone wishing to enrich their cellar with organic wines from the Basque country that are sincere, distinctive and meaningful.