HEGALDAKA 2023 Irouléguy 75cl White

Grape varieties: Gros Manseng 60%, Petit Manseng 35% & 5% Petit Courbu

A single 2-hectare plot, right-angled like two bird's wings as the crow flies... ;) in Saint Jean le Vieux at the foot of Arradoy; two exposures - southeast/south on limestone and due west on ophite. The proportion is exactly equal in surface area per grape variety, except for Petit Courbu which is only on the limestone. Planted in 2019, this vintage is the third!

Vinification and aging took place respecting each parcel, i.e., limestone on one side and ophite on the other, for a blend of the whole one and a half months before bottling.

Aging on fine lees in tanks and 450-liter barrels for 1 year, accounting for 25% wood overall.

Tasting: This 2023 vintage was particularly marked by hail and mildew damage, resulting in a tiny yield of 17 hl per hectare. But it delivers on all its promises with a beautiful golden color; the aroma is ample where candied lemon, fresh pineapple, kumquat, and cut herbs harmonize. The palate is rich, ripe, but counterbalanced by a straight acidity and a mineral finish elongated by beautiful bitterness!

Hegaldaka meaning "As the crow flies"

🍷 Serving temperature 12°

Christian Bourrus, a former food industry engineer, decided to take a new turn by returning to his native Basque Country. With his two hectares planted all at once in 2019 (a big job...!) with only white grape varieties, in St Jean Le Vieux at the foot of Arradoy! The single-block plot is divided into two terroirs: Ophite and Limestone and two exposures South/Southeast (Limestone) & West (Ophite). He cultivates the Pyrenean grape varieties, Petit and Gros Manseng, in equal parts on both terroirs, as well as Petit Courbu, which, however, is only present on the limestone. Irouléguy may be less recognized for its whites, but the magnificent terroirs allow for the elaboration of great mineral whites, crafted for gastronomy and for aging. Christian made his first wine in 2021 after planting everything in 2019.