When it comes to the best-selling Argentine bubbly in the U.S., Domaine Bousquet leads the way. Their #1 status is no accident - in just a few years, Argentina’s foremost producer and exporter of certified organic wines has built up a legion of fans in the U.S. for its distinctive Uco Valley Charmat-method Brut and Brut Rosé through a winning blend of quality and charm.
The Domain Bousquet estate consists of approximately 600 ares in Gualtallary, Tupungato, Uco Valley (Mendoza) Argentina. The area has idyllic wine-growing conditions with the vineyard being situated in the Andes foothills at an altitude of 4000 feet above sea level. Their vineyards are certified organic.
Both of these Domaine Bousquet sparkling wines are produced using the Charmat method (i.e. produced in tank).
Domaine Bousquet Charmat Brut ($13)
75/25% estate-grown Chardonnay/Pinot Noir from Tupungato, Alto Gualtallary, at about 4,000 feet altitude.
Grapes handpicked. Cold maceration at 46.4° F for 24 hours to extract aromas and flavors.
Fermentation with selected yeast at maximum temperature of 59° F for 15 days. Second fermentation in stainless steel tanks.
Alcohol: 12.5% / Residual Sugar: 11 g/L/ Acidity: 6 g/L pH
Domaine Bousquet Charmat Brut Rosé ($13)
75/25% estate-grown Pinot Noir/Chardonnay from Tupungato, Alto Gualtallary, at about 4,000 feet altitude.
Fermentation with selected yeast at a maximum temperature between 55.4°-59° F for 15 days. Second fermentation in stainless steel tanks.
Alcohol: 12% / Residual Sugar: 12 g/L / Acidity: 5.5 g/L
In addition to organic certification (Ecocert) both are certified vegan (Veg Argentina), gluten-free and sustainable (Bodegas de Argentina) and made with respect for human and environmental rights (Fair for Life).
So, if you are looking for a nice sparkling wine for the holidays, to ring-in the new year or just to enjoy with a meal, look for Domaine Bousquet sparkling wines. Cheers!
Disclosure of Wine Sample Submission: I received these samples at no cost for review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Samples Provided by Creative Palate Communications