Domaine Ilarria Irouléguy Rosé 2024

Irouléguy is probably one of France's best kept secret. Tucked into the Pyrenees, some say it's the smallest vineyard in the country, the biggest in Iparralde, the Northern Basque Country. 

Domaine Ilarria is one of the region's longstanding producers. Until 1990, Peio Espil was one of just two independent winemakers here. Everyone else was in the co-op. Peio grew up in the region, where hills are green, sheep graze everywhere, and elongated white houses with red tile roofs dot the countryside. It's so bucolic.

This is the serious rosé you open to go alongside a nice plate of grilled vegetables, savoury charcuterie and the charrest of the char steaks, medium-rare inside. 70% Tannat and 30% Cabernet Franc from schist terraces, walks like a Tavel but is Irouléguy at heart after all. It has a tart kirsch vibe that I'd dare to say is invigorating. It wakes you up.