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.

The Schistes cuvée expresses aromas of both exotic and citrus fruits. On the palate, there is a lovely, angular acidity, structure, and nice balance. It’s no surprise that this cuvée comes from a sunny, schistose terroir. This parcel is certified organic but is grown biodynamically. Grown on south-facing parcels, the Petit Manseng and Gros Manseng are then matured in barrels for a year. The wine then continues its development in bottles for a year and a half.