Deep ruby color; dark cherry, plum, raspberry, blackberry, blood orange, herbs on the nose and palate.
Dry, ripe fruit gives illusion of some sweetness; mellow tannins, chalky acidity (3.67 pH). Medium-plus body. Very fruit forward, approaching jammy. 100% organically grown grapes. Wine fermented and aged in stainless steel to put emphasis on the fruit, which is a blend of estate-grown and purchased fruit from the Uco Valley. This is Domaine Bousquet’s introductory-level malbec. 14% ABV
The Bousquet family has four generations of winemaking experience. They arrived in Mendoza, Argentina, from France in 1990 and fell in love with the possibilities. They purchased land in the foothills of the Andes in 1997 in the Tupungato Valley, elevation 4,000 feet, one of the higher altitude vineyards in Argentina and the world. The climate is very dry, allowing Domaine Bousquet to have excellent water control through drip irrigation using meltwater from nearby Andes Mountains. The high elevation also engenders significant diurnal shifts, an important ingredient in quality wine because it allows ripening in daylight and acid development in the cool night.
The winery is one of the world’s most awarded fully organic operations. As their website states: “We are dedicated to farming organically while improving our land’s biodiversity. We believe that the healthier the vineyard, the better the fruit and of course the wine. In other words, by nourishing the land and treating it with respect, we know that the land will give us back its finest fruits.” And: “Organic crops are grown in harmony with nature without using any chemicals such as pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers. Organic agriculture uses natural fertilizers such as compost.”
The Bronco Wine Company is the U.S. distributor. Bronco is a major U.S. wine maker—best known for “Two Buck Chuck”—but they also represent more serious brands, such as this one, and have a long history of distributing imported wines in the U.S. Bronco’s robust distribution capabilities in the U.S. is a big advantage for Domaine Bousquet. You should be able to find this wine at your wine store, and certainly online.
Domaine Bousquet Malbec, Tupungato Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina 2022 is fresh, crunchy, flagrantly ripe fruit. Simple but decadently indulgent in pleasuring your palate. Easy drinker. Enjoy as a weekday wine. Made with organically-grown grapes. Pair with comfort foods—meatloaf, pizza, burgers and fries. Grilled or roasted red meats, particularly leaner cuts; barbecue ribs or brisket. Dark meat poultry—turkey, duck breast. Grilled lamb seasoned with mint. Empanadas filled with beef or vegetables. Pasta with tomato sauces—spaghetti, lasagna. Spicy sausage—chorizo. Cheese—blue cheese, aged cheddar, manchego, aged pecorino. $10-14
