Vintage Dated Wines from the Southern Hemisphere are Actually Older than those from the Northern Hemisphere!

It really is true that southern hemisphere wines are older than northern hemisphere wines!

This is simply because of the opposite seasons between the northern hemisphere and the southern hemisphere.

So, if you compare wines labeled as "2020" from a southern hemisphere country versus a northern hemisphere country, the wine from the southern hemisphere would have been harvested earlier in the year 2020 (typically between February and April), while the wine from the northern hemisphere would have been harvested later in the year 2020 (typically between August and October).

Thus, even though they're both labeled as being produced as part of the 2020 vintage, the wine from the southern hemisphere is actually older in terms of the time elapsed since harvest.

This variance allows winemakers to produce wine year-round and can influence the characteristics of the grapes and resulting wines due to differences in climate, weather patterns, and growing conditions.

So next time you are looking for an ‘older’ bottle of wine, you’ll also need to consider where the wine was produced!

Notable Northern Hemisphere Wine Producing Countries: France, Italy, Spain, Germany, Portugal, United States, Canada, China, Japan, Austria, Greece, Hungary, Croatia and Mexico.

Notable Southern Hemisphere Wine Producing Countries: Australia, New Zealand, Argentina, Chile, South Africa, Brazil, Uruguay and Peru

Behind the Cork™ - Domaine Bousquet Malbec

2022 Domaine Bousquet Malbec ($13)

A 1990 vacation in Argentina was all it took. For third-generation winemaker Jean Bousquet, it was love at first sight. The object of the Frenchman’s desire: the Gualtallary Valley, a scenic, remote, arid terrain high in the Tupungato district of the Uco Valley in Argentina’s Mendoza region, close to the border with Chile. Here, where the condors fly and not a vine in sight, Bousquet discovered his dream terroir, an ideal location in which to nurture organically-grown wines.

Jean Bousquet reckoned he’d found the perfect blend between his French homeland and the New World with the sun, with potential for high natural acidity in wine grapes as well as the potential for relatively fruit-forward wines.

It worked out well. Domaine Bousquet now produces 4 million liters a year and export 95% of its volume to more than 50 countries. With their own import companies in the USA, Europe, and Brazil, Domaine Bousquet currently ranks in the top 20 Argentine wineries in terms of exports and is the leader in organic wine.

This 2020 Domaine Bousquet Malbec is produced from 100% organic grapes from the foothills of the Andes at 4000 feet. It was fermented with selected yeasts for 10 days and was un-oaked. It is deep purple in color, with aromas of dark red and black fruits. On the palate, this Malbec is medium-full bodied with flavors of black cherry, boysenberry and red plum. It has medium tannin and medium-high acidity and finishes with spicy notes.

This organically grown Malbec from Domaine Bousquet is great tasting and a super value which makes it a great fit as 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 Domaine Bousquet

Ever Wonder About Organic Grapes or Organic Wines?

Photo by Alex Block on Unsplash

When it comes to wines, there are two major categories of organics: ‘Wines made with Organic Grapes’ and ‘Organic Wine.’

Here’s a quick overview of each.

Wines Made with Organic Grapes

Wines made from organically grown grapes are much more common. This means there were no synthetic pesticides or herbicides used in the vineyard. Yeast and any other agricultural ingredients used in winemaking aren’t required to be organic, but have to be produced without excluded methods (like genetic engineering). Organic grape production prohibits the use of genetically modified organisms. This means that organic grapevines are not genetically engineered or modified in any way.

So, wines made from organic grapes are produced with a focus on environmental sustainability, soil health, and biodiversity, while avoiding synthetic chemicals and genetically modified organisms. This is not only better for the environment but also contributes to the production of wines that reflect the unique characteristics of their winery’s terroir.

Organic Wines

For a wine to be labeled as ‘Organic’ it must only use organically grown grapes and avoid synthetic additives. Both the growing of the grapes and the winemaking process must be certified. This includes making sure the grapes are grown without synthetic fertilizers. Other agricultural ingredients that go into the wine, such as yeast, also have to be certified organic. And then, any non-agricultural ingredients must be specifically allowed and can’t exceed 5% of the total product.

In addition to organic farming practices, many organic vineyards also adhere to broader sustainable agriculture principles. This may include practices such as water conservation, energy efficiency, biodiversity preservation, and waste reduction.

Finally, while the winemaking process naturally yields some sulfur dioxide (sulfites), the winemaker cannot add sulfites to an organic wine. (Note: Sulfites are commonly added to wines to stop the fermentation process and/or as a preservative in the bottle).

Although this is a brief overview, please note that the specific regulations and certification standards for organic wines can vary depending on the country or region. Cheers!

Behind the Cork™ - Domaine Bousquet White Wines

Embraced for their freshness, vibrant aromatics and fruit-forward qualities, wines from the Gualtallary zone of Tupungato in Mendoza’s Uco Valley have become “must-haves” for Argentine connoisseurs. With altitudes ranging up to 5,249 feet, Gualtallary occupies the highest extremes of Mendoza’s viticultural limits.

Domaine Bousquet, an early pioneer in this high-altitude sub-region of the Uco Valley, stands out for its singular reliance on eco-friendly organic fruit. And their prices are very competitive!

Today, Domaine Bousquet is housed in a striking modern winery, complete with a hospitality area and restaurant, and the property accounts for approximately 600 acres planted under vine.

2023 Domaine Bousquet Sauvignon Blanc ($13) - The organically grown 100% Sauvignon Blanc grapes used produce this wine were sourced from the Uco Valley. They were harvested early in the morning to preserve the freshness of the fruit. They were then fermented in stainless steel with selected yeasts for 10 days. The wine is un-oaked, to highlight the fruit and its varietal expression. This wine is medium yellow with green hints. Upon opening the bottle and pouring a glass, there were tiny bubbles observed in the bottle and in the glass. On the nose this wine has medium-high notes of citrus, lime and grass. On the palate, this light-bodied wine has flavors of green apple and bright acidity. It finishes smooth with a very slight sweetness. (ABV: 12.5, Acidity: 5.32 g/L, pH: 3.26, RS: 1.03 g/L)

2023 Domaine Bousquet Unoaked Chardonnay ($23) - The organically grown 100% Chardonnay grapes used produce this wine were sourced from the Uco Valley. They were harvested early in the morning to preserve the freshness of the fruit. They were then fermented in stainless steel with selected yeasts for 10 days. This Chardonnay is un-oaked, to highlight the fruit and its varietal expression. This wine is medium gold in color with a subtle aroma of apple. On the palate, this medium-bodied un-oaked Chardonnay has crisp flavors of green apple and tangerine with good acidity. It finishes with the bright tartness of a green apple. If you are a Sauvignon Blanc lover, you should check this one out! (ABV: 13, Acidity: 5.55 g/L, pH: 3.30, RS: 1.76 g/L)

Both of these organically grown white wines from Domaine Bousquet are great tasting and a super value which makes them a great fit as this week’s Behind the Cork™ Wines of the Week. 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

Ever Wonder? What are the Differences Between Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc?

Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc are two very popular white wine grape varieties that are considered go-to wines for many people just looking to enjoy a glass of wine.

The differences of their aromas and flavors really depend on where they were grown, what their vintages were like and what kind of styles the winemakers were seeking.

Oak aging can also have a tremendous effect on the final product.

Here is a quick summary of some of the major characteristics of each wine:

Flavor, Body and Texture

  • Chardonnay: Un-oaked Chardonnay will have flavors of apple, citrus and tropical fruits. With oak aging, Chardonnay will take on flavors of vanilla, and butter. Malolactic Conversion during the winemaking process will also lead to richer and smoother flavors and mouthfeel.

  • Sauvignon Blanc: Typical flavors include grapefruit, lime and tropical fruit along grassiness. It typically has ‘bright’ mouth-watering flavors that are refreshing due to its high acidity. If it’s aged in oak, it is typically referred to as Fumé Blanc.

Aging Potential

  • Chardonnay: This wine can age well, especially high-quality examples from regions like Burgundy and California. With time, it can develop complex flavors. It will also take on deeper and darker color.

  • Sauvignon Blanc: Best consumed relatively young to preserve its fresh, vibrant flavors. Some oaked Sauvignon Blancs may have a bit more aging potential.

Production Regions:

  • Chardonnay: Grown in various wine regions worldwide, including Burgundy France, California, Australia, and New Zealand.

  • Sauvignon Blanc: These grapes do best in cooler climates, including the Loire Valley in France, Marlborough New Zealand, California, and Chile.

Pairing:

  • Chardonnay: Pairs well with creamy sauces, poultry, seafood, and dishes with rich flavors.

  • Sauvignon Blanc: Best with dishes that include fresh herbs, green vegetables, salads, seafood, and goat cheese due to its herbaceous and citrusy notes.

Overall, while both Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc are popular white wines, their differences in flavor, texture, and aging potential cater to different preferences and occasions. Cheers!