Value and excitement from Argentina's Domaine Bousquet

Everything’s expensive these days. But that makes finding a value even more fun. Something you need or like that makes you go, “Wait – it’s only how much, now?”

Argentina has long been a respite for the value-seekers out there. From when I first fell for wine some 15 years or so ago until today, I’ve been able to find a lot of excitement from this diverse country, and for a very moderate cost.

Credit: Domaine Bousquet

One of the producers I revisit frequently is Domaine Bousquet. The winery has been making organic wine since 1997, based in Mendoza’s Uco Valley. Their entry-level wines are widely available and perform high in their category, and their wide range of varietals offers a lot to enjoy. The classic high-elevation terroir of this region is evident across the spectrum, with the wines providing juicy fruit, tangy acidity, and complex nuances.

But it hasn’t been a rosy picture for winemakers these past few years, especially if your market is America. U.S. sales have been down in recent years, and were down almost 5% by volume last year alone. Yet, according to Nielsen data, organic wines are slightly up (a percent or so). And Bousquet sports the best-selling organic Malbec in its price range.

So, if you’re looking to explore more wines from Argentina, save some money, and support organic winemaking, you’ve come to the right place.

These wines were received as samples and tasted sighted.

2023 Domaine Bousquet Chardonnay - Argentina, Mendoza, Valle de Uco, Tupungato
SRP: $13
Light yellow color. The nose pops with white peaches, limes, cantaloupe, and crunchy green apples, with notes of honeysuckle and celery seed. The palate shows a nice depth of texture with vibrant acidity and a fruit salad of green apples, white peaches, papaya, and orange slices. Steely but creamy vibes, and some flinty minerals and honeycomb notes. Accessible but nice complexity, too. (88 points)

2022 Domaine Bousquet Chardonnay Cameleon - Argentina, Mendoza, Valle de Uco, Tupungato
SRP: $15
Deep yellow color. The aromas sport rich pear, pineapple, yellow apple, along with honey, almond skin, sea salt, yellow flowers, and chalk dust. The palate is precise but generous, with creamy texture and lip-smacking acidity. Flavors of pineapple, papaya, and green apples mix well with tones of white and yellow flowers, sea salt, honeycomb, almond butter, and popcorn. Delicious, nuanced, crowd-pleasing, and complex. (91 points)

2022 Domaine Bousquet Cabernet Sauvignon - Argentina, Mendoza, Valle de Uco, Tupungato
SRP: $13
Deep purple color. Aromas of juicy black cherries, dark plums, sweet blueberries, with tones of violets, pepper, and barbecue jerky. Tangy acidity kicks off the palate with some suave tannins, and flavors of blueberries, black cherries, and plums. The fruit is bright and vibrant, and mixed nicely with tones of black pepper, violets, and nuances of oak and anise cookie. A lot of fun, with plenty of complexity and depth. (89 points)

2021 Domaine Bousquet Cabernet Sauvignon Cameleon - Argentina, Mendoza, Valle de Uco, Tupungato

SRP: $20
Dark purple color. Nose shows saucy plums, tart currants, and a potpourri of black tea, earth, mocha, tobacco, tar, and white pepper. I get tangy acidity on the palate, with dusty tannins, and a fleshy, tangy mix of red and black currants and black cherry jam. Love the complex notes of tobacco, mint, oregano, clay, some bell pepper. The toffee and coffee nuances add complexity. This needs to be on a BTG list at a burger bistro ASAP! (91 points)

2022 Domaine Bousquet Malbec - Argentina, Mendoza, Valle de Uco, Tupungato
SRP: $13
Rich purple color. Aromas of mulled blackberries, black cherries, and dark plums, mixed with violet, potting soil, tobacco, with hints of graphite and leather. The palate is smooth and suave with chewy tannins and vibrant acidity. Tangy plums meet sweet blackberries and black cherries, and the fruit is mixed with cool notes of black tea, anise, violets, and earth. Fun, balanced, delightful, this is a crowd-pleaser that brings a lot of depth to the table. (90 points)