Domaine Bousquet Malbec 2020

Domaine Bousquet Malbec is packed with effusive notes of blackberry, damson and cassis overlain with a subtle hint of spice. An aromatic note of floral violet adds to its heady charm. Gloriously ripe with with a lively freshness and vigour. Excellent structure and persistence. Brilliant with steak and strong cheese.

Selected organic grapes are sourced mainly from vineyards in Tupungato at an altitude of 1200 meters (4000 feet) above sea level, one of the highest points in Mendoza. 100% Malbec given limited time in American and French oak during the fermentation, then aged for four months in the bottle prior to release.

Producer

The Bousquet family originally arrived from Carcassonne, in the South of France and can proudly claim to have four generations of experience in the winemaking tradition. Their first foray to Mendoza was in 1990 with the aim of understanding the unique nature of the climate, soils and topography of this imposing, impressive upland region but it was not until 1997 that the family made their first purchase of land and re-located from France.

This first 110 hectare parcel is located in the Gualtallary valley in Tupungato, Mendoza at an altitude of 1200 metres (4,000 feet), making it one of the higher altitude vineyards in Mendoza and the world. The cool nights and a near constant breeze emphasise the idyllic climatic/terroir conditions that these vines enjoy. In total, the Bousquet estate comprises 240 hectares of vines, all in Tupungato.

Another unique characteristic of the region is the low amount of rainfall (approximately 20cm a year). This allows Domaine Bousquet to control the amount of water given to the grapes via a drip irrigation system. This same water is also bottled and sold locally as one of Argentina’s most popular bottled waters – which demonstrates just how pure and clean it is.

Soils, in the main, are sandy with excellent drainage. Grapes are harvested by hand. Grown in such ideal conditions, it allows the fruit to attain an optimum maturity without having to use pesticides or any other chemical products. Only natural ferttilizers such as compost are used. Domaine Bousquet are able, therefore, to produce high quality, healthy organically grown grapes which in turn become high quality organic wines. A pure, natural expression of the Tupungato region. To improve the land’s biodiversity is a key Bousquet aim.

By nourishing the land and treating it with respect, the vines will give back in turn its finest fruit. With roots that penetrate deep into the soil absorbing trace minerals, the vines yield up a fruit that is a pure, authentic expression of its origins.

As in the vineyards, so too in the cellar – respecting the delicacy of the fruit with gentle handling is the guiding principle in the cellar. Meticulous care and sensitivity throughout the winemaking ensures that the natural flavours express themselves to the full once poured from the bottle to the glass.

91 Points – Tim Atkin MW (2018 vintage)

Gold Medal – Millesime Bio 2018 (2017 vintage)

90 Points – JamesSuckling.com, ‘Full of ripe blueberry fruit that’s hard to resist. Juicy and vibrant with crisp acidity and good length. Drink now for all that fruit.’ May 2018 (2017 vintage)

Domaine Bousquet – Domaine Bousquet

Domaine Bousquet Malbec- Hay Wines