Domaine Ilarria Irouléguy Rosé, 2022

One of Iroulegy’s longstanding producers is Peio Espil at Domaine Ilarria. In fact, until 1990, he was one of just two independent producers in the appellation, which was traditionally dominated by the cooperative. Peio grew up in the region, a descendant of multiple generations who also inhabited the white stone house where he currently lives and works with his wife Lucie and their two boys. In this part of the Pyrénées, where the mountains begin to lose altitude as they weave their way toward the north of Spain, large domes of green grass cover the mounds—more so than snow that covers the granite peaks seen further east. It is a bucolic setting, with hundreds of sheep grazing the hills and where elongated white houses with red tile roofs dot the countryside.

A blend of 70% Tannat and 30% Cabernet Franc from the domaine’s schist terraces, this rosé goes through the same vinification as the white, including its malolactic fermentation in tank. This gastronomical rosé, like that of Tavel, will stand up to rich foods, particularly grilled meats and charcuterie. This is an Eric Asimov favorite, having been featured in his New York Times article about this spectacular Basque region tucked within the foothills of the Pyrénées.