Sipping Wines from Domaine Bousquet

Today’s tasting note takes us to Argentina’s Mendoza wine region and more specifically to Tupungato within the Uco Valley. We are sipping wines from Domaine Bousquet’s Premium Range of wines and all are made using organic grapes. We received these wines as tasting samples.

I still remember my first taste of Domaine Bousquet wines. It was their Gaia range of wines, a white blend and a red blend. Initially I was drawn to the wines because they, and all of the wines made by Domaine Bousquet, are made using only organically-grown grapes. Once I tasted them I fell in love with the wines themselves.

Through tasting those wines and then meeting the dynamic Anne Bousquet, I learned the story behind Domaine Bousquet. At that meeting I tasted several ranges of Domaine Bousquet wines, including sparkling wines. The Premium Range of wines was not included in that tasting, so I’m happy to share them with you.

It’s also an opportunity to have a first taste of the 2018 vintage. No these are not nouveau wines, just a reminder that winemaking in the Southern Hemisphere is about six months ahead of us in the Northern Hemisphere.

2018 Domaine Bousquet Premium Chardonnay, Tupungato, Argentina — pale yellow in the glass with aromas of ripe pears and apples. The flavors lead with stony minerality, then ripe pears and stone fruits. Bright acidity keep this wine light on its feet. 13.5% abc. SRP $13

This is a perfect example of a summer sipper. It has nice fruit flavors and bright acidity to keep it refreshing and not at all heavy. This unoaked Chardonnay was fermented in stainless steel, with lees contact, and bottle-aged for four months before release.

2018 Domaine Bousquet Premium Rosé, Tupungato, Argentina — pale salmon in the glass with generous aromas of blackberries and raspberries. Mix berry flavors and a grating of citrus zest are supported by a hint of tannins and citrus pith on the finish. 13.5% abv. SRP $13

Light and bright, this rosé is one to sip while preparing a meal and then take to the dinner table with you. It is a blend of 50% Malbec and 50% Cabernet Sauvignon.

2017 Domaine Bousquet Premium Cabernet Sauvignon, Tupungato, Argentina — medium ruby in the glass with generous aromas of ripe plums and dusty earth. Flavors of raspberries, blackberries and dried herbs are primary along with notes of dusty earth. Tannins are only slightly grippy and well integrated with the flavors. The body is on the light side of medium. 13.5% abv. SRP $13

This is a delicious, if not particularly heavy, Cabernet Sauvignon. It will make a delightful dining partner for chicken or pizza and it is a Cab I wouldn’t hesitate to sip in the summer.

2017 Domaine Bousquet Premium Malbec, Tupungato, Argentina — medium ruby in the glass with generous aromas of crushed flower stems, blackberries and blueberries. Flavors of plums, blackberries and ripe blueberries are backed by crushed flower stems and dried herbs. Tannins are grippy and the body is medium in weight. 13.5% abv. SRP $13

This Malbec has a bit more heft than the Cabernet. It has ample fruit flavors and enjoyable, grippy tannins. Fire up the grill and grab a glass of this delicious Malbec. It would be great with pizza too.

Domaine Bousquet’s value-range wines come with the added benefit of being made using certified organic grapes. Viticulture from the very beginning has been organic at Domaine Bousquet. All wines are certified by ARGENCERT in Argentina, which is recognized in the U.S. by USDA NOP (National Organic Program) and in the European Union by ECOSERT and others. Delicious wine at a very good price and made from organic grapes to boot. I’ll raise a glass of Domaine Bousquet to that.

Cheers!