Domaine Arlan , nestled in the heart of the Basque Country in the picturesque village of Bidarray, was founded by Didier Ybargaray. This vineyard cultivates its vines on terraces in sandstone and schist soils, benefiting from both oceanic and mountain influences. It has established itself as one of the most promising new faces of the Irouléguy appellation. Respectful viticulture, carried out by hand using traditional methods, and a meticulous approach in the cellar allow the wines to reveal all the purity and freshness of this high-altitude terroir with its unique character.
This 2023 Irouléguy Blanc perfectly illustrates the estate's philosophy: a mountain wine of rare precision, made from a traditional blend of Gros Manseng and Petit Manseng . The grapes are harvested at optimal ripeness, then vinified with indigenous yeasts and aged in stainless steel tanks to preserve both the mineral tension and the aromatic complexity. The 2023 vintage, luminous and balanced, highlights the freshness of the fruit and the natural energy of these Basque grape varieties.
On the nose, the wine seduces with an expressive bouquet blending notes of ripe pear, fresh pineapple, lemon, and white flowers, underpinned by a hint of almond and flint characteristic of the autolysis of the yeasts. On the palate, the texture is ample and harmonious, supported by lively acidity and subtle salinity. Flavors of citrus, white-fleshed fruit, and exotic fruit meld into a long, taut, and mineral finish that is both elegant and refreshing.
This 2023 Irouléguy Blanc from Domaine Arlan is a gastronomic wine, to be enjoyed both young for its vibrancy and in a few years for its complexity. It will pair beautifully with grilled fish, Pyrenees trout, mature sheep's cheese, or poultry with fresh herbs. A team favorite!
Grape varieties: Gros Manseng, Petit Manseng
