Domaine Bousquet Malbec

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. Aged for four months in the bottle prior to release. 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 a lively freshness and vigour. Excellent structure and persistence. Brilliant with steak and strong cheeses.

• 90 Points, Wine Spectator Best Value (2022 vintage)
• 90 Points, Tim Atkin MW (2021/20 vintage)
• 90 Points, Decanter Top Organic Wines to Try, ‘From organic vineyards planted at 1,200m in Tupungato in the foothills of the Andes, this Malbec is great value for money. Spicy black fruit nose with hints of black cherry and violets. Medium-bodied, with rounded tannins and plenty of spicy black berry and cherry fruit.’ (Julie Sheppard, 2020 vintage)
• 16.5/20 Jancis Robinson MW, ‘Very refined nose. Juicy fruit and low tannin for immediate enjoyment. Fruit juice really, but with a strong Argentine accent. Drink 2018-2021‘ JancisRobinson.com (2017 vintage)
• Gold Medal, Millesime Bio 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.