AOC. Irouleguy (French Basque Country), France - Petit Manseng and Gros Manseng. Nestled on the mountainside, the Basque Country is home to one of France's smallest wine appellations: Irouléguy. In the commune of Lasse, imagine the scattered vines of Battit Ybargaray, the winemaker of Domaine Xubialdea. Then the owner of an organically farmed estate, he planted a hectare of vines on black schists called ampelites in 2008. There, the small and large Mansengs flourish, producing a unique vintage, produced in microscopic quantities (just 3,000 bottles). Ardan Harri is a masterful wine, a wonderful interpretation of what the region can offer when the soils are worked with respect for life. Upon opening, everything seems to ring true, from the generous ripeness of healthy grapes to the crystalline tension that accompanies the material. Moved, we can't help but keep a close eye on this small estate that contributes to the dynamism of the appellation. Recommended by El Sommiller.
