Style
Type
Still
Winemaker
Jean Brana
Appellation
Irouléguy
Varieties
Gros Manseng, Petit Courbu
Farming
Certified Sustainable
Terroir
The soil is composed of sandstone and limestone.
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
Fermentation with indigenous yeasts is preceded by a gentle maceration of the skins “maceration pellicullaire” and a settling of the must “debourbage”. The wine is fermented in stainless steel tanks and rests “sur lie” until bottling the following spring. Ilori is the basque word for daffodil.
Aging
Aging on lees (6 months).
Features
Cork
Available Sizes (L)
0.750
Distribution Area
New Jersey and New York
Tasting Note
The Irouleguy Blanc “Ilori” cuvée varies a bit according to the vintage. It is always primarily Gros Manseng, 50% to 70%, with Petit Courbu and Petit Manseng making up the balance. The wine is fermented in stainless steel tanks and rests “sur lie” until bottling the following spring. Ilori is the basque word for daffodil. It has aromas of dried flowers and herbs, with citrus and exotic fruits. Versatile food wine, excellent with fish and seafood, herbed roasted chicken, light pastas, and sheep’s milk cheeses.
2 Commerce Dr. Suite 3 Moorestown, NJ 08057
Office 800.245.0184
Fax 856.985.5848
