Charlotte | 2024 Domaine Ilarria Irouléguy Rosé

Domaine Ilarria takes its name from the local Euskara language, Iri meaning “site” and larria meaning “land.” Hidden away in the Irouléguy region of the French Basque Country, separated from the rest of the world by the Pyrenees, the estate is a pure reflection of its rugged terroir. Winemaker Peio Espil comes from a long line of vignerons; his parents inherited the land from their own winemaking family, and he took over the estate in 1988 after working in Bordeaux and Jurançon. Upon returning home, Peio painstakingly carved terraces into the limestone-rich hillsides to make the most of the steep terrain, a labor of love that still defines his work today.

Domaine Ilarria Irouléguy Rosé captures the wild beauty of this small, mountainous appellation. Crafted from hand-harvested, organically grown vines aged 40 to 70 years, the wine reflects both the difficulty and reward of farming on schist and sandstone slopes where every task must be done by hand. Fermented with indigenous yeasts in stainless steel and aged on the lees, it reveals layers of depth and character: bright citrus, red berries, and a touch of fruit preserve on the nose, followed by a full, savory palate with a dry, mineral finish. As The New York Times noted, it’s a rosé that favors texture and complexity over simple fruitiness, a true expression of place and patience.

"Maybe 50 years ago this would be called the “perfect luncheon wine.” Wtf is the difference between lunch and luncheon? I don’t know. I just call it one of my absolute favorite rosés in the world. I drink it every year, waiting to be disappointed, and every time it reminds me why I love it, blood, iron and rocks."
-Eric Asimov

Blend: 70% Tannat and 30% Cabernet Franc

Foxcroft Online Price: $34 per bottle*
*This wine is arriving soon; we'll send you an email when it's ready for pickup