Ameri from Domaine Bousquet

Domaine Bousquet winery and vineyards are located in Tupungato within the Uco Valley of Mendoza, Argentina. The location is high elevation, 4000 feet above sea level, where the soil is sandy and the rainfall scant thanks to the rain shadow caused by the nearby Andes Mountains. The vineyards are farmed organically and certified as such, as are the wines. 

Ameri is Domaine Bousquet’s flagship wine and we received this wine as a tasting sample.

Domaine Bousquet was founded by Jean Bousquet in 1997 when he bought a parcel of undeveloped land in the Gualtallary zone of Tupungato. He planted vineyards and, with the help and consultation of his daughter Anne and her husband Labid al Ameri, built a winery.

By 2011 Jean wanted to step back from the everyday responsibility of the winery. Anne and Labid purchased the winery and continued Jean’s vision in Argentina.

As a flagship wine you might expect this to be a very special wine, perhaps only made in exceptional years from the best lots in a single vineyard. You might expect this wine to be made in relatively small quantities. You might also expect a hefty price tag.

All of these things are true of Ameri except the last. You will be surprised at how affordable this lovely wine is. In fact, the prices of all of the Domaine Bousquet wines have always surprised me with their affordability, especially given they are certified organic. They are uniformly delicious and made in an elegant style. As Anne Bousquet told me when I met her, “We try not to put too much makeup on our wines.” 

2015 Domaine Bousquet Ameri Single Vineyard, Tupungato, Argentina — dense ruby-violet in the glass with generous aromas of black fruits and a hint of asphalt. Flavors of ripe, mixed berries, plums and crushed flower stems combine with dark earth and cedar. Tannins are smooth and well integrated with the flavors, which are medium+ in length. The body is medium. 14.5% abv. 500 cases produced. SRP $36

This lively blend of 65% Malbec, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Syrah, 5% Merlot is sourced from Domaine Bousquet’s highest vineyard location at 4125 feet above sea level. Grapes are hand picked and sorted. The wine is aged for 16 months in French oak.

As with every Domaine Bousquet wine I’ve tasted, Ameri has bright acidity, complex aromas and flavors that are supported, but not overwhelmed by oak flavors. Simply put, Naturally Elegant Wines. I didn’t think of that description, it appears on the bottle, but it is certainly true. 

Domaine Bousquet wines are available nationwide look for them and for the Ameri.

Thanks to the ladies at Creative Palate Communications for sending this special wine our way.

Cheers!