AOC Irouléguy wines awarded at the Gilbert & Gaillard International Challenge

A.O.C./A.O.P.

the Irouleguy wine region is located in the Pyrenees-Atlantiques department, in Basque country. The vines grow on siliceous clay and calcareous clay hillside sites with high iron oxide content where they enjoy a favourable aspect and are sheltered from the wind. This allows them to soak up maximum sunshine, particularly in the autumn. The co-operative winery is the region’s foremost producer though there are also some independent wineries.

Grape varieties: cabernet franc, cabernet-sauvignon, tannat

The wines of this appellation

the red wines (Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Tannat) display a bright, deep hue and boast a solid framework. They are often compared to Madiran though possibly have less body, are more rustic and exhibit great fragrance. They display an intense bouquet of wild red and black fruit (bilberries, blackberries) and pepper (Espelette). Try with cooked cold pork meats, roast meats (lamb) or ewe milk cheeses. The rosés, which are lively and quite light, pair well with tomato and pepper omelette, fish or seafood. The white wines (Courbu, Manseng) are fat and well-balanced. Their floral, exotic fruit (mango) and grapefruit tones give their freshness a boost. Perfect with fish and shellfish.