2020 Domaine Brana - Tannat Irouleguy Ohitza (750ml)

Domaine Brana is a family estate in Irouléguy, tucked into the Pyrenees within the French Basque Country, founded by Étienne Brana and now run by his children Jean and Martine. The Branas have worked alongside Jean-Claude Berrouet, formerly of Château Pétrus, and farm with a biodiversity-minded philosophy, encouraging native flora and fauna to thrive among the vines. The estate holds HVE (Haut Valeur Environnementale) certification, reflecting its commitment to reduced chemical inputs and sustainable water management.

Ohitza, Basque for tradition, is built primarily from Tannat with a portion of Cabernet Franc, grown on the region's distinctive sandstone soils at mid-elevation. Grapes are harvested by hand, then fermented in stainless steel with a maceration period of roughly two to three weeks to draw out color and structure. The wine is aged for about a year in a mix of older oak barrels, with regular racking to soften its naturally firm tannins before bottling.

This 2020 vintage shows a deep garnet hue with aromas of blackberry, dried herbs, and warm spice, along with a savory hint of green pepper. On the palate it is full-bodied and structured, with ripe dark fruit, a touch of black tea, and persistent, well-integrated tannins. It pairs beautifully with grilled lamb, Basque charcuterie, or a firm sheep's milk cheese like Ossau-Iraty.