17 Apr 2024
The Bousquet family hail from the city of Carcassonne in the South of France and have four generations of history in making wine. Their passion was to produce wines of superior quality, which is what led them to Argentina to begin a new chapter.
Back in 1990, the Bousquet family discovered their dream terroir, an ideal location in which to nurture organic wines.
The Gualtallary Valley, a scenic, remote, arid terrain high in the Tupungato district of the Uco Valley in Argentina’s Mendoza region, at 4,000ft/1200mts in the Andes foothills. Back then, it was virgin territory: nothing planted, no water above ground, no electricity and a single dirt track by way of access. Locals dismissed the area as too cold for growing grapes.
Fast-forward to the present and wine connoisseurs from around the world recognize Gualtallary as the source of Mendoza’s finest wines.
Domaine Bousquet combines organic practices with regenerative principles to produce exceptional wines and stands as a leader in organic winemaking, ranking among the top 20 Argentine wineries in exports. Their commitment to sustainability and innovation has garnered international acclaim.
Certified Organic since its inception in 1997, Domaine Bousquet has embraced sustainable practices.
They are Argentina’s leading organic winery, accounting for a significant portion of the country’s organic exports.
Then in July 2022, Domaine Bousquet achieved the prestigious Regenerative Organic Certification (ROC) from the Regenerative Organic Alliance – the first winery outside the US to earn this distinction.
A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of tasting 11 of their wines with Chief Winemaker, Rodrigo Serrano, and Madeleine Stenwreth MW, an expert on the impact of altitude in winemaking here are my highlights:
Gaia Biodynamic/Organic Cabernet Franc 2022 (£15.99 Vintage Roots)
The name “GAIA” pays homage to the Greek goddess of the earth, reflecting Domaine Bousquet’s commitment to nature and terroir and the family’s inspiration since founding their winery in 1997 when they pioneered and cleared virgin land in the high reaches of Tupungato’s Gualtallary district.
From the start, their Gaia wines have been crafted with a French winemaking sensibility and crafted exclusively from hand harvested, organic fruit grown at a cool 1,200-m/4,000-ft altitude.
On the nose, expect a delightful blend of blackcurrants, raspberry, and blackberries, accompanied by subtle spice, mint, and chocolate notes.
The wine matures gracefully in French oak barrels for 10 months, enhancing its complexity and structure. The palate delivers easy-drinking pleasure, soft tannins, and a fresh finish with plenty of spice. Full-bodied, it offers ripe tannins and a lingering finish that leaves a savory impression.
This has to be one of my all-time favourite Cabernet Franc wines.
Bousquet Gran Organic Malbec 2022 (£22 from Davys Wine and Vintage Roots)
This wine began life in the first vineyard planted by Jean Bousquet in 2000. This site captured his imagination on account of its sand (low-fertility sandy soil makes for
desirable grape quality and elegant wines and were an absolute ‘must’ for the Frenchman) and access to water. Grapes here are the last to be harvested, ensuring more richness and body.
A blend of 85% Malbec, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot and 5% Syrah, it’s extremely well integrated, balanced, and has a lovely smoothness from the French oak influence (10 months in a combination of new and old oak).
On the nose, expect aromas for dark fruits, cassis, blueberries, blood plums, and spice. And the palate reveals attractive fresh fruit flavours with smooth and juicy tannins.
AMERI ‘Eva Estate’ Single Vineyard Biodynamic/Organic Malbec 2022 (£28 from Davys Wine Merchant and Vintage Roots)
Named after Domaine Bousquet’s co-owner, Labid al Ameri, Ameri is not just “single vineyard” but “specific cluster,” and made only in exceptional years. Located in the Andean foothills, this vineyard plot gets a perfect combination of near constant intense daytime sunlight and huge day/night temperature differentials. The result is fruit with increased levels of sugar, acid, flavour intensity and aromatics.
The AMERI Eva Estate Malbec matures gracefully in French oak barrels for 12 months, enhancing its complexity.
On the nose, expect ripe plum notes intertwined with hints of dark chocolate. And the palate offers a rounded silky texture, balanced acidity, and smooth tannins.
The long aftertaste reveals black-fruit flavours and a subtle oaky note.
Sadly, the absolute stand out from the masterclass is not yet available in the UK, but I’ll mention it just in case you find yourself holidaying in Argentina. It’s the AMERI ‘Eva Estate’ Parcel #9 Organic Sauvignon Blanc 2023. Its not your typical Sauvignon Blanc, but quite a remarkable one, with just a short time in the barrel to maintain its freshness and great levels of acidity. Expect crisp green apple, lime, tropical fruits, and a touch of herbal freshness.
