Irouléguy Rosé, Dom Ilarria - 2025

Irouléguy is a tiny appellation in the very farthest corner of southwest France, 10 km from the Spanish border. It sits in the foothills of the Pyrénées in the heart of Basque Country and thus has an identity distinct from its wine-growing neighbors. Peio Espil of Domaine Ilarria is a benchmark producer here, and the steep hillsides on which the vines are planted have been in his family for centuries. Peio follows a non-interventionist philosophy, inspired by Japanese farmer and philosopher Masanobu Fukuoka, father of “do-nothing farming.” His rosé is energetic and expressive, comprised of tannat and cabernet franc grown in schist soils. The joyful fuchsia color is immediately inviting, and vibrant notes of salty raspberry, pomegranate, and thyme seal the deal. This should be your go-to for anything you’re grilling this summer!