If you’ve been living under a rock, here’s some scoop: the “green” movement in wine is spreading like poison ivy on a camping trip. But in a good way. Hopefully, awareness of how pesticides and other chemicals affect the long-term health of soil won’t be cured with calamine lotion.
One winery who sniffed out the organic trend before it got hot: Domaine Jean Bouquet in Argentina. Third-generation French winemaker Jean Bousquet moved to Mendoza’s Tupungato Valley in 1997, planting the vineyard in a climate that didn’t require chemicals and pesticides to thrive. They grow a little bit of everything, from the indigenous Torrontes grape to Merlot to this delicious Malbec.
It’s dark, intense and jammy with black and red fruits like blackberry and raspberry but also has a slight pepperiness, ripe plum, and supple, tame tannins. Very easy drinking but not a fruit bomb – very well balanced with enough acidity for food and a lingering vanilla oakiness on the finish. Comfortable and friendly, like easing into a comfy chair. Sweetness=1 (out of 10). $13- $16. 4.5 stars (out of 5).
Live in Tampa? Find it for $12.99 at Carrollwood Fine Wines and Spirits at 11401 N. Dale Mabry Highway — (813) 963-2776
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Taylor, also great is the Zaca Mesa Malbec, which I bought @ Costco in NC. Huge but balanced!