Behind the Cork™ - Domaine Bousquet Sparkling Wines

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

Ever Wonder? What is Mulled Wine?

During the winter months and the holidays, mulled wine is a very popular drink, especially in European countries. Partly by tradition and partly because it's a warm drink that is enjoyed on cold evenings.  There are many names for mulled wine including Glögg in Sweden, Vin Chaud in France, and Glühwein in Germany.

A quick check of Webster's Dictionary shows that the word 'mull' can mean to mix thoroughly, or to heat, sweeten and flavor with spices. This is exactly why this drink is called mulled wine. It's a heated mixture that can be sweetened and flavored with spices.

There are no standard recipes for mulled wine but there are a lot of common ingredients. 

Most mulled wines start with red wine. You can find examples of white and even rosé mulled wines, but a red wine base is most common.  There is no best red wine to use, but any inexpensive bottle of a full-bodied, fruity, bold and tannic wine will do.  Examples might include Syrah, Malbec, Zinfandel, Grenache or Merlot. Even a red blend would work nicely.

Next, mulled wine includes spices. Common spices include clove, star anise, cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom and ginger. Even vanilla shows up in some recipes.

Next, fruit is added.  Common fruits include orange, apple, figs, and raisins.  You can also sweeten your mulled wine with sugar or honey.

Then, some mulled wines are given an extra kick with the addition of vodka, brandy, rum, Cognac, sherry or aquavit. Other recipes will include hard cider, Madeira wine, and even Port.

Finally, all these ingredients get mixed together and heated to about 140-150 degrees F (60-70 C). You just want to avoid boiling since that will cause the alcohol to evaporate. Serve your mulled wine in a sturdy glass meant for hot liquids, or a mug. Then, you'll get to enjoy a warm, comforting drink during the holidays and during those cold winter evenings. Cheers!

Ever Wonder? Should You Decant a Sparkling Wine?

Decanting red wines is somewhat common. Decanting a white wine is less common. But, decanting a sparkling wine? Really?

The answer is again, Yes!

Decanting a sparkling wine may seem a bit unorthodox and even counter-intuitive, but a sparkling wine can actually benefit from decanting.

Before today’s practice of riddling or remuage, Champagnes were decanted in order to leave as much yeast used in the second fermentation (the one that creates the bubbles) behind in the bottle. Otherwise, you’d be pouring cloudy Champagne into a glass. And, nobody wants cloudy Champagne.

Decanting a sparkling wine can also be done to tame the bubbles. Sometimes, the sparkling wine may be extra bubbly, or the consumer may not enjoy a super-bubbly wine. So, decanting can help reduce the level of carbonation so that the drinker can focus more on the flavors than the texture.

To decant a sparkling wine, slowly transfer of the wine to the decanter by pouring down the side instead of directly in to the center of the decanter. Then, give it a short bit of time - 15 to 30 minutes max. It’s then ready to serve!

So, next time you open a bottle of sparkling wine, try decanting it and see what you think. It just may become a habit! Cheers!

Behind the Cork™ - Primus The Blend

2018 Primus “The Blend” ($18.99)

Primus is a leading brand in the Chilean premium segment and a fine example of Chilean quality capabilities. The name Primus is Latin and means “the first” or “the first among its peers”, and for good reason. The winery was founded more than 20 years ago by Agustin Hunneus. It was truly a pioneering brand as the first blend of the signature red grapes of Chile: Cabernet and Carmenere. Today, The Blend is still the standard bearer for Primus.

The fruit for this wine is selected from organic vineyards in the most renowned areas in Chile for red varieties: Marchigue, a sub-region Colchagua, and Maipo.

The Blend is produced from 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Carménère, 10% Syrah, 10% Petit Verdot and 5% Cabernet Franc. It is aged for 12 months in 66% French oak barrels.

The Cabernet Sauvignon is the basis for The Blend and provides the structure, while Carménère delivers density and smoothness, which complements the black fruit and spices of the Syrah. The Cabernet Franc adds elegance and persistence combined with the soft and complex finish of the Petit Verdot.

The Blend is medium ruby in color with delicate aromatic notes of black fruits. On the palate it is medium-bodied with moderate tannin and balanced acidity. It has peppery notes along with black cherry and a light finish.

The Blend by Primus is a really nice wine that is affordable and attainable, making it a perfect fit as the Behind the Cork™ Wine of Week. Look for this one!

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

Sample Provided by Donna White Communications