Last Week's Tasting Notes (10.27.17)

​Gouguenheim Extra Brut Rose of Malbec ($12.99)
Mendoza, Argentina
From  the producer:
"Our 98 acres vineyard is located over 3.600 feet above sea level. In a region of desert climate, dry and sunny, with 320 days of sun exposure a year and big temperature amplitude (over 16°C). Alluvial and sandy soils. Drip irrigation with water from the melted snow of the Andes Mountains. All these exceptional conditions allow a perfect ripening of the grapes providing our wines with vivid colors, good acidity and a good maturity of the tannins.

Delicate with red fruit aromas, predominantly of cherries and strawberries. Very fresh in the mouth, soft tones with equilibrated acidity. Small and brilliant bubbles."

From me:
This is a very unusual find: 100% sparkling Malbec rose. I was intrigued by the concept, and when I tasted it, I fell just a little in love. It is a beautifully delicate pink color, with small bubbles and a refreshing crispness. Malbec lends itself well to this style of wine, as the flavor is fruit-forward and yet very dry. Just a lovely wine.

Vicentin Blanc de Malbec ($19.99)
Mendoza, Argentina
From the producer:
"Blanc de Malbec owes its name to the type of vinification. It is a red wine vinified as a white, making it the first Blanc de Malbec in Argentina. The idea for this innovative wine came from the vineyard and lead to its final creation. The hue is slightly pink, well defined and bright. Soft floral notes of sweet jasmine are perceived along with violets and mild aromas of fruits including
peach, strawberry and watermelon. Fine integration with the wood awakens flavors of cinnamon, cloves and spices. Sweet, fresh, unctuous, explosive, very fruity and elegant on the palate; the taste is intensified by hints of mature and sweet tannins."

From me:
I had never encountered a white Malbec until this one, so I was obviously curious about what the wine would be like. Red Malbec is usually quite bold and full-bodied, often with spicy or smoky undertones. As a white wine it still has a lot of character, and it is very elegant on the palate. It is aged six months in oak, but the wood just smooths it out and builds on the creamy mouthfeel created by the malolactic fermentation. This is a well-balanced, interesting, pretty wine that is also sure to be the talk of the table.

Domaine Bousquet Malbec ($10.99)
Mendoza, Argentina
From the producer:
"Made from organic grapes sourced mainly from vineyards in Tupungato at an altitude of 1200 meters (4000 feet) above sea level, one of the highest points in Mendoza. It is 100% Malbec, and has been in contact with American and French oak during the fermentation and then aged for 4 months in the bottle.

It is a wine of dark violet color with reddish tones. In the nose it presents intense aromas of blackberry with notes of red and black currants, and plum. The mouth highlights notes of ripe plums with soft and elegant tannins. It has an excellent structure, long and persistent finish.

It goes well with red meats, sauces, cheeses and pastas."

From me:
The Bousquet family came from the south of France, and took their winemaking know-how to Argentina. The influence of their background comes through in their wines--the Malbec is a little less bold than others from the same region, with more of a medium body and a quieter character. It is smooth and elegant with a nice balance of acidity.