Opening a bottle of sparkling wine takes a bit of additional care and attention, but the reward is a glass of wine made more beautiful by its lively bubbles. Once you sip that wine the bubbles fill your mouth adding texture and energy, in addition to a variety of flavors. And there is something mesmerizing about simply watching the bubbles rise to the surface of a glass of sparkling wine. Both Domaine Bousquet sparkling wines in this tasting achieve all of that and more. And both are sporting attractive new labels. We received both wines as tasting samples.
Domaine Bousquet began farming organically from the time the first vines were planted in the undeveloped parcel of land in the Gualtallary sub-zone of Tupungato in Mendoza’s Uco Valley. Since the first vintage in 2005 Domaine Bousquet has built upon their organic certification and, importantly for consumers, those certifications are reflected on the label.
All of Domaine Bousquet’s wide portfolio of wines are certified vegan (Veg Argentina), sustainable (Bodegas de Argentina), organic (Ecocert) and made with respect for human and environmental rights (Fair for Life). And every bottle says Made with organic grapes right on the front label, just in case you don’t read the back label.
Clearly, the team built initially by Jean Bousquet, and continued by his daughter, Anne, and her husband, Labid Al Ameri, have maintained the family’s commitment to the land and the local people. In addition to all of those commitments, Biodynamic principles have been initiated in the vineyards with the goal of earning certification.
Both of these sparkling wines are made using the charmat method, meaning the second, bubble-producing fermentation takes place in pressurized stainless steel tanks, rather than in the bottle. This technique, the same used to make Prosecco, preserves the fruit flavors of the base wine and is a less labor-intensive method of making sparkling wine. This quicker winemaking method translates to fresh wines at a very attractive price.
Domaine Bousquet Sparkling Brut Rosé, NV, Tupungato, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina — light salmon-pink with generous bubbles. Aromas include ripe blackberries and raspberries. Flavors lead with ripe strawberries, raspberries and peaches supported by citrus zest for a clean, bright flavor profile with ample acidity. Bubbles are soft and very long lasting as are both the aromas and flavors. The blend is 75% Pinot Noir, 25% Chardonnay. 12% abv. SRP $13
Domaine Bousquet Sparkling Brut, NV, Tupungato, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina — light golden with generous aromas of citrus and stone fruit. Aromas include barely-ripe peaches and citrus zest for a bright, lively flavor profile with ample acidity and a tart finish. Bubbles are soft and very long lasting. 75% Chardonnay, 24% Pinot Noir. 12.5% abv. SRP $13
Both wines are very sippable and stand deliciously on their own with plenty of flavor. Sip them before or with a meal. And, if you like to use sparkling wines in cocktails these are attractively priced to do so. It’s a win-win situation.
Thanks to Domaine Bousquet for this sparkling taste and to Creative Palate Communications for organizing our tasting.
Cheers!
