Domaine Arretxea, the Basque Country’s flagship winery

Located in Irouléguy, in the heart of the Basque Country, the Arretxea estate (literally ‘the stone house’) is the jewel in the crown of the Irouléguy appellation. Set in a rich and colourful landscape, the family estate run by Thérèse and Michel Riouspeyrous has been championing an exceptional terroir since 1989. And a quest for harmony with nature and the elements.

Here, on the steep slopes of the Basque vineyards, the role of the winegrower truly comes into its own. Certified organic since 1998, the Arretxea estate also practises biodynamics, aided by the arrival of their two children, Iban and Téo.

Irouléguy: a small vineyard with a rich history!

The Irouléguy vineyard is steeped in centuries of history. Let us not forget that the Irouléguy vineyard was established as early as the 12th century by the monks of Roncesvalles to supply wine to pilgrims on the Way of St James. Whilst the vineyard covered up to 1,000 hectares at the height of its fame, only a mere 50 hectares remained when it was granted AOC status in 1970.

In the vineyard, in the cellar

To begin with, Michel and Thérèse Riouspeyrous undertook a colossal replanting project at the Arretxea estate. On steep slopes nestled between 200 and 400 metres above sea level, with gradients of up to 40 per cent. In many cases, terraces had to be constructed first. Learning from the elders, but also from specialists such as the renowned soil scientist Yves Hérody, they set about breathing new life into this small, fragmented vineyard. They sought to understand the interactions between the soil, the vines and their environment, the natural balances and their influence on the wines’ distinctive character.

This sincere and principled approach naturally led to the estate being certified as an organic vineyard in 1998. This was followed by the adoption of biodynamic principles and techniques, and the gradual production of single-vineyard wines. All of this was done to preserve the estate’s distinct character, shaped by the diverse range of soils found here, including pink sandstone, schist and ophite.

The story of the Arretxea family continues

The story continues: Thérèse and Michel are now firmly supported by their son Iban. After seven years spent working for another iconic local winemaker, Jean-Marc Grussaute of the Camin Larredya estate. And, more recently, by their youngest son, Théo, who trained at Elian Da Ros. The whole family is brimming with projects, such as the creation of a conservatory for mass-selected grape varieties. Also, the development of the Dolia cuvée, aged in amphorae, with a sparkling purity of fruit expression. And, in 2019, the acquisition of new plots (including around one hectare of white wines, on ophitic soils).

The grape varieties consist of Tannat, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc for the reds, and Petit Manseng, Gros Manseng and Courbu for the whites