August 2025
Between Secretive Umbrian Hills and Sunlit Sicilian Shores
Bacco’s Wine Club
September 2025
As summer wanes and fall edges closer, the days in Irouléguy—nestled in the Basque foothills of the Pyrenees—take on a quiet intensity.
Here, the land speaks through its steep terraced vineyards, where each vine is tended by hand amidst a rugged landscape. Domaine Ilarria, one of the few independent organic producers in this remote corner of France, crafts wines that capture this place's essence.
This month, we present Domaine Ilarria's Blanc, Rosé, and Rouge—wines that bridge the gap between summer's warmth and autumn's approach. Each bottle reflects the unique terroir of Irouléguy, offering a taste of the Basque Country's soul
Domaine Illaria
‘Blanc’
Petit Courbu & Petit Manseng
Irouléguy,
Pyrenees,
Basque Country
Organic, Unfined, | 13% ABV
The Blanc begins in the steep, sunlit terraces of Irouléguy, one of France’s smallest and most overlooked appellations. Here, the Pyrenean foothills rise sharply, and each row of vines clings to rocky slopes with centuries of history beneath them. The climate is a rare collision of Atlantic moisture and Mediterranean sun, producing grapes with a vivid tension: bright and expressive, yet grounded in mineral depth. Domaine Ilarria nurtures these vines organically, intervening only when necessary, allowing the land to articulate itself in the glass. The Blanc carries notes of citrus blossom, orchard fruit, and a hint of herbs, framed by a stony undertone that evokes the terraces themselves. It’s a wine of reflection—a quiet celebration of place and patience.
What to pair it with:
Grilled trout, roasted fennel, risotto with herbs, or simply a wedge of pecorino and good bread.
Domaine Illaria
‘Rose’
Tannat & Cabernet Franc,
Irouléguy,
Pyrenees,
Basque Country
/ 12%
The story: In a region defined by rugged hills and dramatic slopes, crafting a rosé is an act of balance. Domaine Ilarria’s Rosé captures the vitality of the Pyrenean foothills: lively strawberry and sour cherry flavors swirl with a breeze of wild mountain herbs, anchored by a precise, energetic structure. The wine is made with the same philosophy that guides the estate—organic farming, minimal intervention, and a deep respect for the rhythms of the land. Its freshness and vibrancy have earned it recognition from Eric Asimov, who counts it among his favorite rosés, a rare accolade for a bottle from such a small, remote appellation. This is a wine that carries summer’s warmth into the cusp of autumn, a bridge between seasons in every sip.⸻
Arianna Occhipinti
‘SP68 Rosso’
Vittoria,
Sicily,
Italy
Frappato & Nero d’Avola Organic | Biodynamic Practices | ~12.5% ABV
What it is:
A fragrant, energetic red that balances bright berries with wild herbs and a touch of earth. Light enough to chill, structured enough to linger—SP68 is Occhipinti’s signature, a red that speaks of place with clarity and conviction.
Who makes it:
Arianna Occhipinti is one of Sicily’s most influential winemakers, championing native grapes and organic farming in Vittoria. Since founding her estate in her early twenties, she has built a reputation for wines that are both soulful and precise.
When to drink it:
Anytime you want a red that feels both easy and important—this is as suited to pizza night as it is to a thoughtful dinner.
What to pair it with:
Grilled lamb skewers, pasta alla Norma, margherita pizza, or a plate of prosciutto and figs.
In Sum
Together, these bottles convey three distinct moods: Raina’s Bianco, contemplative and textured; La Segreta’s Cinino, playful and alive; and Occhipinti’s SP68, bold and declarative. Different registers, different rhythms, yet each shaped by trust in the land and a refusal to overcomplicate what doesn’t need complicating. They’re wines that move easily between the casual and the thoughtful, carrying with them that unmistakable Italian gift: making the everyday feel extraordinary.