Domaine Bousquet has been growing organic grapes in the Mendoza region of Argentina since 1997. Their vineyards, in the Tupungato sub-region, are in the high desert at 4000 feet in altitude in the foothills of the Andes Mountains. The desert provides a climate well suited to organic farming. Sandy soil and dry conditions prohibit rot and moisture related disease. An added benefit is that it also keeps phylloxera at bay, and the vines are immune to this vineyard scourge which has destroyed huge swaths of winelands across the world over the last few centuries.
While all wines at Domaine Bousquet are made from organically grown grapes, the winery has taken the natural emphasis to a whole new level in the Virgen collection of wines. With this line, they avoid anything which is not natural throughout the winemaking process. There are no sulfites added to prevent spoilage. The wines are fully vegan. They are also certified organic by the USDA.
After starting with the release of a red blend in 2018, they added a Cabernet Sauvignon and a Malbec in 2019. The wines are line priced at $13. We have the Red Blend and the Malbec in for review. Let’s see what’s in the bottles.
Wine: 2020 Domaine Bousquet Virgen Malbec
Winery Location: Tupungato, Mendoza – Argentina
Tasted By: Neil Date: July 2021
Tasting Notes: This is all about the fruit. The grapes were cold macerated for two days. After fermentation the juice saw another ten days of maceration. There are no added sulfites. A dark purple red wine, it sports a nose full of dark berries and plum. It’s not the most complex profile, but the fruit is really the star. It finishes with nice length. Substantial at 14.5% alcohol, but it doesn’t drink like it. It is smooth and easy.
Price Point – $13
Would We Buy It? – yes. This is a fruit forward, delicious wine. For those who want to avoid sulfites it is an easy choice.
And now the Red Blend:
Wine: 2020 Domaine Bousquet Virgen Organic Red Blend
Winery Location: Tupungato, Mendoza – Argentina
Tasted By: Neil Date: July 2021
Tasting Notes: This juice is a dark ruby color, with a nose of berries and herbs. On the palate it is just full bodied. As with all Domaine Bousquet wines the fruit is front and center. Tannins are medium and the wine has good length. This has some nice complexity and good balance. The acid keeps it fresh. It is also pretty hefty at 14.4% alcohol.
Price Point – $13 SRP
Would We Buy It? – I would. This wine is my favorite of the two. For an inexpensive, organic wine it really delivers.
Both of these wines present beautiful fruit cores. The Red Blend has more complexity. Both are balanced and fresh. At $13 SRP you can’t go wrong here.
A votre santé!
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