Behind the Cork™ - Gaia Malbec Nouveau

2022 Gaia Malbec Nouveau ($20)

Gaia, the Greek goddess of the earth, has been the Domaine Bousquet family's inspiration since founding their winery in 1997 when they pioneered and cleared virgin land in the high reaches of Tupungato's Gualtallary district.

There are several factors that differentiate Domaine Bousquet’s vineyards and their terroir:

  • The near constant breezes from the Andes to the west which help mitigate heat-stress in this desert-like climate, with its huge day/night temperature differentials,

  • The sandy soils result in low fertility for desirable vine stress and yet are permeable for good drainage. In addition,

  • The prevalence of groundwater, with rainfall averaging a scant 8-inches or less per year, groundwater from Andes snowmelt is vital to irrigate the vines drop-by-drop.

This Gaia Malbec Nouveau from Domaine Bousquet is produced from 100% Malbec. It undergoes Carbonic maceration which is a fermentation process where the whole bunches of grapes are placed into a tank without de-stemming. The atmosphere within the fermentation tank is saturated with carbon dioxide while fermentation begins naturally. Once fermentation begins, the weight of the fermenting grapes crushes the surrounding grapes, releasing juices that are also fermented and macerated for 10 days. The wine then goes through a press to separate it from the grape skins and sediments. Finally, a second yeast fermentation takes place to complete the process.

This Gaia Malbec Nouveau is pale purple in color with aromas of red fruit, boysenberry and bubblegum. On the palate this unique medium bodied dry wine has bright red fruit flavors and medium-low tannin and has a wonderful floral finish.

This is a Limited Edition wine from Domaine Bousquet so you’ll be in for a real treat if you can get your hands on this one! And, at the price it’s a really good value too, making it a great fit as this week’s Behind the Cork™ Wine of the Week! Cheers!

14.5% Alcohol by Volume, Acidity 4.95 g/L, pH 3.63, Residual Sugar 0.93 g/L

Disclosure of Wine Sample Submission: I received this sample at no cost for review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Sample Provided by Domaine Bousquet (via Creative Palate Communications)

Behind the Cork™ - Domaine Bousquet Reserve Pinot Noir

2021 Domaine Bousquet Reserve Pinot Noir ($18)

A step up from their premium varietal line, this ‘Reserve’ Domaine Bousquet Pinot Noir is produced from estate-grown grapes from plots with low yields that offer more of everything – more body, more tannin, and more flavor. The 4,000-foot elevation ensures that, with the right handling, this Reserve Pinot Noir exudes an Old-World elegance prized by wine lovers.

Domaine Bousquet’s Reserve Pinot Noir is made from 100% Pinot Noir grapes that are manual harvested, undergo cold maceration and then fermented for 15 days. It is then aged for six to eight months in French oak.

This wine is pale ruby in color with subtle red-fruit aromas. It has the characteristic Pinot Noir flavors of raspberry and cranberry with a bit of black cherry and a round finish.

This wine was produced from organic grapes and is vegan friendly. And, at this price, is an exceptional value for a Pinot Noir of this quality. That makes it a great fit as this week’s Behind the Cork™ Wine of the Week! Cheers!

Disclosure of Wine Sample Submission: I received this sample at no cost for review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Sample Provided by Domaine Bousquet (via Creative Palate Communications)

Behind the Cork™ - LO CA Organic Chardonnay

2022 Domaine Bousquet LO-CA Organic Chardonnay ($14)

LO-CA organic Chardonnay, from Domaine Bousquet in Uco Valley Argentina, is a feel-good, taste-good wine with more altitude, attitude, and fewer calories.

The name is a play on “low-calorie,” but Loca also means “crazy” in Spanish. So, this LO-CA Chardonnay is low-calorie, low-alcohol, low-sugar, vegan, gluten-free, USDA-certified organic, Regenerative Organic Certified™, and Eco cert-approved – how crazy is that!

This LO-CA wine is produced from 100% Chardonnay that is fermented in stainless steel tanks for 12-17 days. Bottling followed shortly after to ensure peak freshness.

This LO-CA Chardonnay is medium gold in color with medium aromas of tropical fruit. On the palate it has flavors or grapefruit and green apple with crisp acidity.

This is an easy to drink, light and refreshing wine that can be enjoyed at any time and fits right in as the Behind the Cork™ Wine of the Week!

Alcohol: 9% Acidity-Ph: 8.4/3.24 gm/L, Residual Sugar: 1.15 gm/L, Calories:75 per 5 oz serving

Disclosure of Wine Sample Submission: I received this sample at no cost for review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Sample Provided by Domaine Bousquet (via Creative Palate Communications)

Behind the Cork™ - Vitis Ridge Cabernet Franc

2017 Vitis Ridge Cabernet Franc ($34)

Vitis Ridge is currently owned and operated by Chris & Sharon Deckelmann.  What started as a hobby in their garage over 20 years ago has evolved into one of the North Willamette Valley's most popular wineries. Vitis Ridge is part of the Cascade Foothills Winegrowers, a consortium of wineries on the East side of the Willamette Valley.

Established in 2005, Vitis Ridge is a boutique Oregon winery producing about 3,000 cases annually. They focus on unique wines and specialty blends and are currently offering 30 varietals.

Their Estate vineyards are comprised of nearly 150 acres and include Pinot Noir, Maréchal Foch, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Chardonnay, and Muscat.  They also bring in grapes from vineyards throughout the Northwest to provide a broader range of offerings and interesting terrior differences.

This Vitis Ridge Cabernet Franc is sourced from Washington’s Yakima Valley. It it deep purple in color with notes of red fruit and spices. On the palate it is rich with intense flavors of red fruit (raspberry), blueberry and black plum with the distinct Cabernet Franc spicy, peppery notes.

This wine is excellent and a great value, too! Vitis Ridge always keeps their prices affordable so you can open the bottle you want to drink anytime...not just for the special event. That makes this Vitis Ridge Viognier a perfect fit as this week’s Behind the Cork™ Wine of the Week!

Next time you are in the Willamette Valley in Oregon, stop in at Vitis Ridge and meet their Tasting Room Manager, Brian Everest, to check out all their great wines. Cheers!

Disclosure: This wine was purchased directly from Vitas Ridge. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.