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.

A phenomenon of this south-western domain, the Dolia cuvée, as its name suggests, was matured in amphora. A pellicular maceration has greatly contributed to the strong impression of fruit and citrus notes. Its dense texture is balanced by a superb tension, offering a certain crystalline character to the whole. The finish rounds off with a lovely bitterness, allowing for some lovely food pairings.