Sipping a chilled rosé is a refreshing way to keep cool on a warm afternoon. Rosé is also appealing for its beautiful color and its lively, fresh flavor profile that pairs well with food. As a bonus, rosé is often relatively low in alcohol. All three of the wines in this tasting, which we received as tasting samples, have these qualities and more — they’re all certified organic.
It’s no small thing to grow and make organic wine. The vineyards must be farmed organically and certified as such. The same applies to winemaking. It is not an informal process.
Organic certification is the foundation of Domaine Bousquet’s winemaking in Mendoza’s Uco Valley. All vineyards have been farmed organically since day one. Over the past 27 years the list of certifications in addition to organic has grown quite long: Demeter Biodynamic, Regenerative Organic Certified (ROC), Certified B Corp, Fair for Life and Vegan. And Domaine Bousquet recently released their first 2023 Sustainability Impact Report.
All three of the rosés in this tasting are certified organic and state Made With Organic Grapes on the labels.
Domaine Bousquet NV Brut Rosé, Tupungato, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina — ballet slipper pink with aromas of citrus and berries. Flavors include citrus, blackberries, blueberries and earth. Tiny bubbles are mouth filling. The finish is fresh, citrusy and clean. 12% abv. SRP $13
The second fermentation takes place in pressurized stainless steel tank to preserve the fresh flavors of the grapes. The blend is 75% Pinot Noir and 25% Chardonnay. Pair this wine with appetizers or sip it while you are cooking or just relaxing. It’s fresh and flavorful and it’s hard to argue with the price.
2023 Domaine Bousquet Rosé, Tupungato, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina — ballet slipper pink with aromas of strawberries, red cherries and blackberries. Flavors include blackberries, cherries and earth with citrusy, juicy acidity and a citrus pith finish. 12.5% abv. SRP $13
All stainless steel winemaking keeps the focus on the flavors of the grapes: 50% Pinot Noir, 30% Syrah, 10% Pinot Grigio, 10% Viognier. This rosé has lots of flavor, finishes dry and punches way above its price. Pair it with a light summer meal.
2023 Domaine Bousquet Gaia Pinot Noir Rosé, Gualtallary, Mendoza, Argentina — pale salmon with aromas of cherries and blueberries. Flavors include blackberries and dark cherries supported by citrusy acidity. This rosé has a very long finish. 13% abv. SRP $18
Pinot Noir is whole-cluster pressed with 5-day cold maceration followed by fermentation. Beautiful bottle, beautiful wine, lots of flavor. Another excellent value for the price.
Thanks to Creative Palate Communications for organizing our tasting.
Cheers!
