Domaine Arretxea

Domaine Arretxea in a few words...

Founded in the early 1990s by Michel and Thérèse Riouspeyrous, the Domaine Arretxea is located on the steep slopes of Irouléguy, where the vines face slopes of 40%. In 1989, they took over the family farm, restored the vineyard terraces and set up their own winery. The first vinification took place in 1993, and soon they committed themselves to certified organic viticulture from 1998, then to biodynamic viticulture, leading the whole estate in a respectful approach to living

The domaine Arretxea covers around 8 to 8.5 hectares, divided between 3.5 hectares of white, 4 hectares of red and 1 hectare of rosé. The vines are planted on soils of micaceous sandstone, ophite and schist, often on steep terraces at the foot of the Jara mountain. These poor, draining soils force the roots to burrow deep and bring a powerful, saline minerality to the wines.

At Domaine Arretxea, no synthetic molecules are used. The soil is worked manually or with mechanical precision, encouraging natural grass cover. The grapes are harvested exclusively by hand, with meticulous sorting at the plot level. Biodiversity is actively encouraged, and constant observation of the plant guides our decisions. Phytosanitary treatments rely solely on natural plant extracts, copper or sulfur, applied as early as possible to avoid heavy remedies

In the cellar, Michel and his family practice natural fermentations with indigenous yeasts, with no addition of industrial yeasts, nor systematic fining or filtration. Each vintage is treated according to its profile: long fermentation, gentle maceration, temperature control. Sulfur is used sparingly, in minimal doses according to the wine's needs

Red wines are aged in concrete vats or foudre, with the Haitza cuvée aged in old oak barrels for 18 months, without excess wood

The Irouléguy Tradition, blends Tannat (around 50%), Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. Its nose evokes plums, black cherries and spices. The palate is fruity, round and structured, with supple tannins and a lovely mineral freshness. It offers excellent value for money and goes perfectly with grilled meats, duck or lamb

The cuvée Haitza, a Basque name meaning "oak", is a more powerful blend dominated by Tannat (70%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (30%). Aromas of black fruits such as blackcurrant are supported by hints of licorice and a slightly mentholated finish. This wine needs time to reach its fullness, and its long ageing in oak foudres or barrels strengthens its cellaring capacity

The blanc du domaine, Hegoxuri - literally "southern white" - is made from a blend of Gros Manseng, Petit Manseng and Petit Courbu. Its aromatic profile develops citrus, exotic fruit and white flowers. On the palate, it deploys a lively tension, a roundness well supported by its aging on fine lees in foudre, demi-muids and vats for ten months

The Domaine Arretxea today embodies the excellence of the Irouléguy terroir, cultivating a free, respectful and sincere viticulture. Each cuvée is true to its origins, expressing saline minerality, vibrant freshness, balanced depth and elegant tension. The whites are taut, airy and irresistibly fine; the reds shine with clean fruitiness, refreshing acidity and a structure built for cellaring, without seeking overpowering

The family duo, supported by their sons Iban and Teo, remain discreet but attentive: their commitment to biodynamic viticulture, the attention paid to each vine, their exacting standards in the cellar make Domaine Arretxea an unmissable reference in the South-West, and a model for those who want to discover the best of organic Basque wine

Guide des meilleurs vins de France 2025 concerning Domaine Arrextea: "Michel and Thérèse Riouspeyrous are increasingly establishing themselves as benchmarks for Irouleguy. Their biodynamic work on schist and red sandstone terroirs shows the potential of these mountain wines. The whites are top-flight... "Domaine rated 2 stars out of 3.

Discover other great organic wines from the Southwest with the Domaine Labranche-Laffond, Camin Larredya, the Domaine Elian Da Ros, the Clos Thou or the Château Combel la Serre.