Vintage 2023

Malbec Reserve, Domaine Bousquet

Domaine Bousquet
Product Code: JB15ZZRC

Tasting Notes

Deep Violet color. On the nose, ground-mushrooms and red berries aromas. Notes of violet prune and spices. Medium body with soft and silky tannins and a flavorful finish.

Profile

Malbec
14.5
ARGENTINA
12
Cork
Domaine Bousquet
OrganicVeganVegetarian

About this product +

Producer >

Back in 1990 when Frenchman, Jean Bousquet, arrived on holiday in Argentina, there wasn’t a vine in sight in the Gualtallary Valley in Mendoza, as it was deemed to be too cold for viticulture. Nor was there any water above ground, electricity or roads but in Bousquet’s mind, with the region’s sunshine hours and cool nights, he had found the ideal terroir in which to produce high quality wines from organically grown grapes. Today, the vineyards cover 240 hectares, primarily on shallow alluvial soils of sand over limestone. Rainfall is very low but with abundant water from the Andes, a drip irrigation system ensures the vines get just enough. Harvest takes place by hand and after destemming, the grapes are fermented in stainless steel and cement tanks with the Premium Varietal range being also aged in tank and the Reserve and Gran Bousquet ranges in French oak barrels.

Viticulture >

Thanks to the Uco Valley’s dry climate and phylloxera-resistant sandy soils, farming organically at Domaine Bousquet, from day one, was not only possible, but expedient. Other factors that set this landscape apart include constant breezes from the Andes to the west, helping mitigate heat-stress in this desert-like climate. Significant day/night temperature differentials contribute enhanced aromatics, while sandy soils result in low fertility, desirable for vine stress and ideal for good drainage. With rainfall averaging a scant 8”/203 mm annually, groundwater from Andes snowmelt is vital for vineyard irrigation. Time has shown that the roots of organically grown vines penetrate deeper, enabling greater access to water in times of drought. Not least, organic farming is decidedly better for the long-term wellbeing of the local environment, as well the people who tend the vines.

Winemaking >

Hand-picked grapes harvested in the third and fourth weeks of April, before undergoing a 48-hour cold maceration at 50° F/10° C, followed by a 10-day fermentation using selected yeasts between 77° F/25° C and 81° F/27° C, and a further 14-day maceration. 100% malolactic and aged in contact with French oak 6-8 months.

Awards +

91 Pts. James Suckling

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