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