Located in Irouléguy, in the heart of the Basque country, Domaine Arretxea (literally “the house of stone”) has been managed by Thérèse and Michel Riouspeyrous since 1989. This family-owned property, belonging at one time to grandfather Michel, spreads over 8 hectares. They grow Tannat, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc grapes, and Petit Manseng, Gros Manseng and Courbu for their whites. The domaine has been certified organic since 1998 and is now also biodynamic. Domaine Arretxea has come to be one of the best representatives of this region’s wines.

This cuvée is produced in tiny qualities and stands out for its startling freshness and tension. To make it, the property follows biodynamic cultivation principles and harvests by hand. The grapes are pressed slowly and gently, before partial maceration, natural fermentation and élevage, on the lees, in foudres. This process gives the wine very good ageing potential.