Domaine Bousquet Gran Malbec

What class this top-notch red wine from Domaine Bousquet is! This Gran Malbec is more than just Gran; we might as well call it Mega Gran, because this powerful red wine is one of our favorites. In the late 1990s, French winemaker Jean Bousquet had the vision to bring out the best in the Malbec grape and started a new vineyard. At this unique location in the Valle del Uco, Mendoza, the soil was exceptional and the climate perfect. It was a rare spot with many powerful depressions in the soil, allowing the vines to easily develop their roots. The roots are now very deep and can easily absorb moisture from the soil. This is essential in the warm climate of the Valle del Uco. The fresh breeze and cool nights break the heat, ensuring a calm and temperate growing season.

Wood aging for the Bousquet Gran Malbec

When the grapes reach perfect ripeness, they are harvested, which is very late in the season. Jean Bousquet aims for aromatic and full-bodied grapes and therefore harvests them very late. The downside is that the yield is modest, yet very potent. They are harvested entirely by hand and rigorously selected. Only the finest bunches make it into this bottle of Gran Malbec. After pressing, this red wine is aged for a full twelve months in French oak barrels. Many of the barrels used are new, giving it its strength and notes of vanilla and cedar.

The smell and taste of the Bousquet Gran Malbec

Upon pouring, we were immediately captivated by the beautiful color of this red wine. Violet in color, almost black, typical of a top-quality Argentinian Malbec. On the nose, this Bousquet Malbec Grande Reserve reveals intense aromas of red berries, plums, black fruit, a hint of pepper, and a distinct hint of candied fruit. Silky smooth on the palate, refined tannins offer notes of blackberry, spice, and truffle, providing the complexity for a remarkably elegant finish. This lingering finish leaves us eager for another sip of this delicious wine.