Style
Type
Still
Winemaker
Jean Brana
Varieties
Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Tannat
Viticulture
The estate is HVE (Haut Valeur Environnementale) certified: a French three-tiered system that focuses on increasing biodiversity, decreasing use and impact of pesticides and fungicides, managing fertilizer use and improving water management. Manual harvest.
Farming
Certified Sustainable
Terroir
Two types of soil are present on the farm: Triassic micaceous sandstone (Ispoure) and limestone (Bussunaritz).
Vineyard
The appellation of Irouleguy stretches along steep hillsides in the Pyrenees within the French Pays Basque. The 605 acres/245 hectares are planted almost exclusively to red grapes. The vineyards which range in altitude between 200 and 450 meters can have inclines up to 70% and are often planted along narrowly cut terraces that require an enormous amount of hand labor. The characteristic soil of Irouleguy is a red sandstone that is rich in iron. This is complemented by a richer mix of clay/limestone and some outcrops of limestone. The vineyards face south and are protected by the surrounding mountain peaks from the wet weather coming off the Atlantic. The cool and wet springs are balanced by an “Indian summer” that allows the full ripening of the grapes into October.
Vinification
Vinification in vats by grape variety and separate plots. Fermentation is done with indigenous yeasts and maceration lasts for two to three weeks.
Aging
The wine is aged in barrels for twelve months with rackings done every three months. Jean Brana uses primarily barrels that are one year old, but includes in the mix a small proportion of both older barrels and new barrels.
Features
Cork
Available Sizes (L)
0.750
Distribution Area
New Jersey and New York
Tasting Note
The Irouleguy Rouge “Domaine” cuvée is typically a blend of 60% Cabernet Franc and 20% each of Cabernet Sauvignon and Tannat. The parcels are on both sandstone and limestone soils. Fermentation is done with indigenous yeasts and maceration lasts for two to three weeks. The wine is aged in barrels for twelve months with rackings done every three months. Intense nose of red berries, and spices. Full bodied and rich with an intense tannic structure and firm acidic backbone. The wine will pair beautifully with rich meat dishes but also with eggplant based vegetable dishes..
2 Commerce Dr. Suite 3 Moorestown, NJ 08057
Office 800.245.0184
Fax 856.985.5848
