September 2025
Harvest Shadows in the Pyrenees
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 Ilarria
‘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 Ilarria
‘Rose’
Tannat & Cabernet Franc,
Irouléguy,
Pyrenees,
Basque Country
/ 12%
In a region defined by rugged hills and dramatic slopes, crafting a rosé is an act of both resilience and finesse. Domaine Ilarria’s Rosé embodies the vitality of Irouléguy: its pale hue belies a wine of striking character, with lively strawberry, sour cherry, and red currant flavors laced with the scent of wild thyme and mountain herbs.
The palate is energetic and refreshing, yet firmly structured—proof that this is more than just a summer refresher. Its clarity and vibrancy have earned it recognition from Eric Asimov, who counts it among his favorite rosés, a rare accolade for a wine from such a remote and modest appellation. It is, at heart, a wine of transition: carrying the warmth of summer into the cusp of autumn, alive with the rhythm of the seasons.
Pair it with: Tapas, grilled chicken, Basque cheeses like Ossau-Iraty, or charcuterie with espelette peppers.
Domaine Ilarria
‘Rouge’
Tannat & Cabernet Franc,
Irouléguy,
Pyrenees,
Basque Country
Organic, Unfined, | ABV~12.5% ABV
The Rouge is the beating heart of Domaine Ilarria. Blending indigenous grapes—typically Tannat, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon—it channels the raw intensity of the Pyrenees into a red that is both rugged and deeply soulful. The steep vineyards yield small, concentrated berries, and the resulting wine carries layers of black cherry, blackberry, and plum, wrapped in notes of smoke, iron-rich earth, and dried mountain herbs.
On the palate, it is powerful yet balanced: firm tannins lend structure, while its acidity gives freshness and lift. With time in the glass, the wine softens, revealing savory undertones of leather and spice, making it equally compelling now or with a few years in the cellar. The Rouge reflects the endurance of this remote land—wild, muscular, but ultimately graceful, a testament to the Basque spirit.
Pair it with: Grilled lamb chops with rosemary, duck confit, mushroom ragù, or hearty Basque stews like axoa de veau.
In Sum
Together, the three wines form a triptych of Irouléguy itself: the clarity of summer’s light, the cool vitality of autumn air, and the grounding weight of stone and soil. To drink them is to pause in the threshold between seasons, where warmth lingers but shadows lengthen, and each bottle becomes a bridge from one world to the next.