Iroulguy & Basque wines: what to look for?

T

Thor

Thor Iverson
I know Ameztoi and the few others exported to the U.S.

And across the border, I know Etxegaraya well, Brana and Arretxea somewhat less.

Anyone else, in either region, I should be looking for? By which I mean there, not in the States.

As always, thanks in advance.
 
I really like Arretxea, especially their basic red and their white wine called Hegoxuri. Their other red, the cuve Haitza, sees new oak and is less interesting to me.

Brana's whites are very nice.

Additionally, I believe Abotia in Iroulguy is supposed to be good. And La Cave d'Iroulguy, the cooperative in Saint-Etienne-de-Baigorry, is also apparently a good source of local wines.
 
First avoid the top cuves very often overdone, overoaked and over cabfranc.

I like Ilarria very much - simple but very nice definition of terroir.
More tannat oriented (hard wines when they are young) but so profound and racey (very basque I'd say) : Domaine Ameztia in St Etienne de Bagorry.

Agur !

Eric
 
Thanks to both of you. Eric, I agree on the top cuves...not always bad, but dangerous enough that care must be taken.
 
I'm also quite fond of Arretxea's more basic stuff, especially the white Hegoxuri has always made me very pleased. Any opinions on Mignaberry?
 
originally posted by Otto Nieminen:
Any opinions on Mignaberry?
Click to expand...

Salut Otto,

The ones I have tasted came from La Cave d'Iroulguy and had more in common with the Mollydooker linup than with anything else. Copeaux???

Eric
 
These are good producers of txakoli (Ameztoi is not alone in the world...): Doniene, Itsas Mendi (including the semi-sweet late-harvest hondarrabi zuri), Jabi Aretxabaleta (Magalarte), Txomin Etxaniz.
 
Does anyone know of the importer/distributor for the Brana wines? I am in Mass. and am hoping to get some soon. I know they are in CT but dont know who has them.

Thanks
 
originally posted by Matteo Mollo:
Does anyone know of the importer/distributor for the Brana wines? I am in Mass. and am hoping to get some soon. I know they are in CT but dont know who has them.

Thanks
Click to expand...

I believe Wine Traditions of Falls Church, Virginia, brings them in.
 
cool, thanks for the heads up. also we at the wine bottega will be adding to our Basque section shortly as a couple of the above mentioned producers will be creeping into the Boston market. I cannot wait!

laterz
 
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