Herri Mina

Herri Mina
  • Located in the remote Basque Country in the far southwestern corner of France, this is a region that has traditions that are different from anywhere else in the country.
  • Jean-Claude Berrouet served as the winemaker for over three decades at Château Pétrus, but eventually came back to his native region, inspired to make wines that speak of this place.
  • He purchased the property that would become Herri Mina in 1992. In Basque, herri means “country,” and mina means “homesick.”
  • Planted close to the Atlantic coast, these vineyards enjoy the climatic influence of the ocean.
  • Jean-Claude’s offers one white made from Gros Manseng, Petit Corbu, and Petit Manseng and one red made in small quantities from Cabernet Franc.

Located in an area renowned for its independent and strong ancestral culture, the Basque Country is in the southwestern-most part of France, just half an hour from Spain. Here, Irouléguy received its appellation contrôlée in 1970, with about 100 hectares of vineyards cultivated by 60 growers. Jean-Claude Berrouet is an Irouléguy native who left home to serve for more than three decades as the winemaker at Château Pétrus. But the Basque region has a powerful pull, and Jean-Claude eventually returned home to his native soil. He purchased his four-and-a-half-hectare property in 1992, naming his estate “Herri Mina.” In Basque, herri means “country,” and mina means “homesick.”

Jean-Claude makes a splendid white blend of Gros Manseng, Petit Corbu, and Petit Manseng. The vines are planted on the somewhat-steep south-facing slopes of the Pyrénées, no higher than 400 feet above sea level, to enjoy the climatic influence of the Atlantic. Jean-Claude also produces a character-driven red wine from 100% Cabernet Franc in small quantities.

Jean-Claude’s offerings are perfectly made, clean and bright, with more complexity than is often found in the region. These wines are seductive, delicious, and a perfect representation of the Basque Country.

Martine’s Wines is the exclusive U.S. importer for Herri Mina.

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