Domaine Bousquet Fortified Malbec

A four month-long maceration ensures that the maximum amount of flavour has been extracted from the skins of the Malbec grapes. Good natural acidity is an essential factor in quality sweet wines and there’s just the right amount here to keep in check the moreishly rich layers of plum fruits, chocolate, coffee, caramel, spice and marmalade flavours you’ll find here. Similar to a Port, this is a delicious way to end dinner and enjoy with the finer things (puddings/desserts, rich cheeses, etc). Serve it at no more than 15°c.

• 88 Points, Decanter Magazine, ‘Dense, rich, sweet and utterly heartwarming. The fortification is well judged – at 17.5% it’s not as fiery as many Ports. Something very different to put on your table alongside all kind of chocolate puds or cheese.‘ Peter Richards MW, Jan 2018 (2017 vintage)

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. Shop all Domaine Bousquet here.