Wines from Domaine Bousquet – Share the Dream    

How many of us have traveled to another country, fallen in love with its culture, landscape, and more, then decided to purchase property? Third-generation French winemaker Jean Bousquet did just that. During a vacation to Argentina’s Gualtallary Valley high in the Tupungato district of the Uco Valley’s Mendoza region, Bousquet found his dream location to produce organically grown wines. Soon thereafter, in 1997, he signed a contract to purchase 1000 acres of land. Domaine Bousquet was founded.

 

This endeavor, however, was met with plenty of skepticsm by friends, family, business associates, and locals. The Gualtallary includes altitudes ranging up to 5249 feet and is considered the “highest extremes of Mendoza’s viticultural limits”; it was felt that the area was too cold for grape growing. When Bousquet saw the desolate region, nothing was planted and there was no above-ground water or electricity present. Access was by a single dirt path. Yet, Bousquet felt that its cool climate and abundant sunshine were elements to produce high acid, fruit-forward wines. Bonus? Land prices were a fraction of the cost of other properties in Mendoza. This was the dream he would make reality.

Whereas other winemakers or owners failed in the region, Jean Bousquet thrived. He quickly realized that the access to water was the crucial element for success. Water rights were secured and for two years, beginning in 1998, a well of 495 feet was dug, after which vines were planted. By the time Bousquet released his first vintage in 2005, some of the original acreage had been sold, leaving 173 acres. Now, thanks to sales of wine and savvy business practices, 667 acres are planted under vine and a modern winery includes a hospitality area and restaurant.

Domaine Bousquet continues to be a successful family winery. In 2009, Anne Bousquet, an economist, and her husband Labid Al Ameri, a trader with Fidelity in Boston, moved to Tupungato; they assumed full ownership of the winery in 2011. Both share Jean Bousquet’s philosophy of sustainability in a variety of ways: sustainability in the vineyards and sustainability for the surrounding community. For more about their endeavors, view the following video and check out the Domaine Bousquet website here.

 

Now we can share the dream of Jean Bousquet whenever we open a bottle of wine from Domaine Bousquet.

Domaine Bousquet Sparkling Wines

Domaine Bousquet produces sparkling wines using both Charmat (the second fermentation occurs in a large, closed pressure tank) and Méthode Traditionelle (the second fermentation is in the bottle).  I was sent (as samples) sparkling wines using the Charmat method.

Domaine Bousquet Brut ($13) – Anytime is the right time to pop the cork of a bottle of bubbly! In this case, a weeknight with a good book was all the motivation I needed to enjoy this lovely wine of 75% Chardonnay and 25% Pinot Noir. I found aromas of honey and toast that led to a creamy palate profile boasting minerality, lemon, brioche, and ever-so-persistent mousse.

Domaine Bousquet Rosé Brut ($13) – I brought this lovely rosé to pair with appetizers, salads, and a good friend’s conversation. Never-ending bubbles and light refreshing notes of raspberries, strawberries, citrus, and toast were absolutely delightful.

Gaia Blends

The wines I received (as samples) are appropriately named for “Gaia”, the earth goddess according to Greek mythology. All of the vineyards at Domaine Bousquet are organic certified – the name and labels are perfect.

Gaia White Blend 2016 ($18) – Delicate and bright, I loved each sip of 50% Chardonnay, 35% Pinot Gris, and 15% Sauvignon Blanc cultivated in estate vineyards in Tupungato, Alto Gualtallary, a location by the foothills of the Andes Mountains at 4000 feet in altitude. Aromas of grass, hint of beeswax, and stone fruit led to clean and lasting tastes of white peaches, stone fruit, crisp green apple, vanilla, threaded with minerality and mouthwatering acidity.  40% of the wine was aged in French oak for 6 months. Medium in body with no shortage of flavor, this was a delightful complement to crabcakes and fresh garden salad one breezy evening on the porch.

Gaia Red Blend 2015 ($20) – Comprised of 50% Malbec, 45% Syrah, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon from Domaine Bousquet’s estate vineyards in Tupungato, this wine was absolutely delicious. On the nose, bright red fruit, blueberries, blackberries, earth, and spice were pervasive. The palate burst with lively acidity, structured tannins, spice, ripe red and black fruit. The lingering finish? Pour another glass, please! Aged in French oak for 10 months, consider pairing the Gaia Red Blend with your favorite cut of meat from the grill, a rich and gooey chocolate torte, or a platter of savory cheeses.

Cheers! ~ Cindy