Behind the Cork™ - Domaine Bousquet Alavida Organic Kosher Cabernet Sauvignon

2022 Domaine Bousquet Alavida Kosher Cabernet Sauvignon ($18)

Alavida Cabernet Sauvignon joins an exclusive group of wines: it’s USDA-certified organic and kosher. As Argentina’s first wine of its kind, Alavida stands as one of the few wines globally to achieve this remarkable dual status.

The name “Alavida” translates to “To Life” in Spanish, inspired by the traditional Hebrew toast “L’chaim!”

The Domaine Bousquet estate, nestled in Argentina’s Uco Valley, is owned by Anne Bousquet and her husband, Labid al Ameri. Anne Bousquet emphasizes Argentina’s rich diversity and highlights their multi-cultural family’s commitment to certified organic wines in Argentina since 1997.

The winemaking process for Alavida closely resembles that of a non-kosher wine, with two notable exceptions. Kosher ingredients like yeast are used, and the wine undergoes physical production and handling by a Sabbath-observant Jewish team under the supervision of a rabbi.

Alavida Malbec boasts a deep purple hue and captivating aromas of rich red and black fruits, accompanied by a subtle hint of sweet tobacco. On the palate, this 100% Cabernet Sauvignon is full-bodied with flavors of black cherry, black berry, and a touch of cocoa on its pleasant finish.

At an affordable price point, this Cabernet Sauvignon, certified USDA-organic, mevushal and kosher Ⓤ, makes an ideal choice for this week’s Behind the Cork™ Wine of the Week. Let’s raise a glass to “L’chaim” and cheers!

For more information on kosher wines, see my recent blog.

ABV: 14.5%, RS: 2.15 g/L, Total Acidity: 5.92 g/L, pH: 3.69

Disclosure of Wine Sample Submission: I received this sample at no cost for review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Media Sample Provided by Domaine Bousquet

Behind the Cork™ - Ameri Organic Cabernet Sauvignon

2021 Ameri Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon ($36)

Named after Domaine Bousquet co-owner Labid al Ameri, this Ameri Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon is not just “single vineyard” but also “specific cluster,” and it’s only produced in exceptional years.

Located at an elevation of 1,200 meters (4,000 feet) in Gualtallary, the certified-organic vineyard is the highest point on the estate.

The Cabernet Sauvignon grapes for this wine are hand-selected from the clusters. Fermentation is initiated using native yeasts for 14 days, followed by a 20-day maceration period in oak barrels. Subsequently, the wine is aged in French oak (65% new oak, 35% used) for 12 months.

The Ameri Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon exhibits a deep purple color and a delicate aroma of dark fruits. On the palate, it is a full-bodied wine with flavors of blackberry and plum. It has moderate tannin (enjoy after decanting for at least an hour) and medium-high acidity. The finish is pleasant. (ABV: 14.5%, Total Acidity: 5.17, pH: 3.7, Residual Sugar: 2.3 g/L)

This Ameri Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon is another testament to the exceptional organic wines being produced in Argentina by Domaine Bousquet. It’s a really good Cabernet at an affordable price, making it a perfect choice as the Behind the Cork™ Wine of the Week. Cheers!

Disclosure of Wine Sample Submission: I received this sample at no cost for review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Media Sample Provided by Domaine Bousquet

Behind the Cork™ - Vina Progreso Overground Viognier

2023 Viña Progreso Overground Viognier ($26)

The Viña Progreso Overground collection is named “overground” in contrast to “underground” because these wines are more refined and approachable.

Their objective is never to replicate an international model, but rather to allow the grapes to express themselves as they ripen in the Progreso Region of Uruguay.

The cool temperate climate of the southern region of Uruguay’s coast rests on the Atlantic Ocean where Uruguay shares the same latitude as the most renowned viticultural regions of the Southern Hemisphere.

This Viño Progreso Viognier is fermented in stainless steel tanks with selected yeasts for 25 days followed by six months of aging, on lees, in stainless steel tanks.

This Viognier, a medium-gold color, exudes delicate floral aromas along with apple and pear. On the palate, it boasts a medium body with a refreshing burst of bright acidity that lingers with each sip. The flavors unfold to include nectarine, pineapple, and a hint of orange peel. It finishes light and crisp. 

This Viognier, a unique Uruguayan wine, is certainly worth trying. And, at this price, it’s an excellent choice for this week’s Behind the Cork™ Wine of the Week. Cheers!

Disclosure of Wine Sample Submission: I received this sample at no cost for review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Media Sample Provided by Viña Progreso

Behind the Cork™ - Domaine Bousquet Cabernet Sauvignon

Domaine Bousquet, a French-Argentine estate, has achieved success with its certified organic fruit, high-altitude terroir, and unique profile. Their naturally elegant and environmentally friendly wines have gained global recognition, now available in 61 countries. As Argentina’s leading exporter of organically grown grapes, Domaine Bousquet stands out.

From the very beginning, farming organically in the dry and phylloxera-resistant sandy soil of the area was both feasible and wise.

Their wines are made with hand-picked, hand-selected organic fruit, receiving the utmost gentle treatment to minimize handling and intervention.


2022 Domaine Bousquet Reserve Organic Cabernet Sauvignon ($18)

Reserve wines from this family-owned estate are meticulously crafted from hand-picked, organic estate fruit. This Cabernet Sauvignon (85%) is blended with Malbec (15%).

The fermentation process involves the careful selection of yeasts and a 20-day process that includes both a 10-day fermentation and an additional 10-day maceration. Afterward, the wine undergoes a six-month aging period in 400L French oak barrels, with the remaining portion aged in stainless steel and concrete tanks. (ABV: 14.5%, Total Acidity: 5.28 g/L, pH:3.69, Residual Sugar: 1.8 g/L)

Presenting a deep ruby color, this Domaine Bousquet Reserve Organic Cabernet Sauvignon has fresh aromas of black fruit. On the palate, it offers a full-bodied experience with flavors of black fruit, including black plum and black cherry. The wine has moderate tannin and is best served decanted for at least an hour. 

2021 Domaine Bousquet Gran Organic Cabernet Sauvignon ($25)

The Gran Bousquet Line blends grapes from four distinct soil types found in the vineyard: sandy, sandy calcareous, stony calcareous, and super stony. This unique approach allows for the creation of diverse components, offering a wide range of styles and blending possibilities.

The wine is composed of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Malbec. Fermentation took place in 10,000-liter tanks for 12 days, followed by eight days of maceration. Afterward, it underwent a complete Malolactic conversion before being aged in French oak barrels for ten months (50% new and 50% used). (ABV: 14.5%, TA: 5.2 g/L, pH: 3.68, RS: 3.68 g/L)

The Domaine Bousquet Gran Organic Cabernet Sauvignon has a deep garnet color and a delicate aroma. On the palate, this full-bodied wine has flavors of black fruit, including black cherry. It has medium-high tannin (decant for at least an hour) and medium-high acidity. The oak aging adds a subtle vanilla flavor to the finish. 

Domaine Bousquet’s Organic Cabernet Sauvignon wines from the Uco Valley in Argentina are an excellent choice for this week’s Behind the Cork™ Wines of the Week. They’re incredibly affordable, making them a budget-friendly option for all wine enthusiasts. Cheers!

Disclosure of Wine Sample Submission: I received these samples at no cost for review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Media Samples Provided by Domaine Bousquet

Behind the Cork™ - Familie Lahusen Riesling

2023 Familie Lahusen Riesling ($25)

Meet Bodega Los Cerros de San Juan, the oldest winery in Uruguay! They make this Familie Lahuesen Riesling. Their vineyards are just a few kilometers from Colonia and Carmelo in the southwestern part of Uruguay, near the coast. Finca Los Cerros (The Cerros Estate) is shaped by the rocky hills that define the region. The winery’s roots go back to Germany, where their founders got the Riesling grapes over 80 years ago.

The Riesling grapes used to make this wine are carefully picked and de-stemmed. Then, they’re cooled and gently pressed. Fermentation happens in 1800 liter Italian amphorae vessels using special yeasts until the wine reaches a minimum residual sugar level of 1.7 g/L. Their use of amphorae adds complexity and longevity to this wine.

This Familie Lahuesen Riesling is a vibrant yellow color with delightful lime and green apple aromas. On the palate, it boasts a medium-light body and medium-high acidity. The flavor is predominantly green apple, complemented by tropical fruit flavors of pineapple and nectarine. The finish is crisp andrefreshing. This isn’t your typical German Riesling; it’s a unique ‘Atlantic’ style from Uruguay!

Uruguay, renowned for its exceptional and distinctive wines, continues to delight wine enthusiasts. The Familie Lahuesen Riesling is a prime example of this, offering exceptional flavors that captivate the palate. At this remarkably affordable price, it stands as an ideal choice for this week’s Behind the Cork™ Wine of the Week. Cheers!

Disclosure of Wine Sample Submission: I received this sample at no cost for review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Media Sample Provided by Bodega Los Cerros de San Juan