- red
- 0 in stock
- Organic
- Biodynamic
- Low Sulfur
Haitza means oak in Basque. This is the flagship cuvée of the Riouspeyrous, a gorgeous blend dominated by Tannat, with a touch of Cabernets Franc & Sauvignon which can vary depending on the vintage - over the years, there are less and less. Organically grown on a diversity of soils - sandstones, schists, ophites - with very little clay, it is a great terroir to tame the natural power of Tannat : its acidity and tannins are softened up without losing their personality. Grapes are hand-harvested, destemmed, vinified separately, with a gentle maceration lasting for 3 weeks or so. Fermentations are spontaneous. The wine is then aged for 18 months minimum in foudres, then in bottle and sold when ready to drink - they don’t necessarily release them in chronological order. 2010 is drinking beautifully well right now, and it is surprising how its aromas sing youth while its structure is showing a peaceful harmony. The delicacy of tannins is so remarkable, it is hard to believe the wine is mostly made with tannat! Open and expressive right at opening, the wine is unfolding its layers over the course of a couple of hours, really peaking up after 24 hours. Full of wisteria, fresh black currant and fern, the nose hints at cold empyreumatic counterpoints. The palate is more savory bringing some forest elements - fern, mountain spring bank, truffle. This is a complex yet delicate bottle you can serve in large Bordeaux glasses and enjoy with a smoked quail with glazed parsnip and chicories or a wild caught salmon in a black truffle pot-au-feu. 80% or so Tannat, the rest Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon. Pascaline Lepeltier.