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